Analysis suggests Winter Fuel Payment savings could be much lower than expected: 'More cuts could be required'

The savings set to be made by means-testing Winter Fuel Payments could be dramatically curtailed if hundreds of thousands of pensioners claim the support they’re entitled to. It's sparked fears the Government could make further cuts to plug the spending gap.A surge in Pension Credit take-up – a means-tested benefit for low income people who have reached state pension age - could reduce savings by nearly half a billion pounds, according to analysis by Steve Webb, partner at pension consultants LCP.