A&E VISITS AMONG OVER-65S SURGE -The increase coincided with Labour’s decision to strip millions of pensioners of their winter fuel payments
The number of over-65s visiting A&E surged this winter, with 94,760 more attendances recorded compared to the previous year, according to an analysis of NHS England data. The increase coincided with Labour’s decision to strip millions of pensioners of their winter fuel payments.
Between September 2024 and February 2025, A&E departments in England saw a 5% rise in attendances among over-65s compared to the same period in 2023-24. Hospital admissions among this age group also rose by 9%, with 76,190 more over-65s requiring emergency care than last winter.
The rise comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July—shortly after Labour’s election victory—that the government would means-test winter fuel payments, affecting over nine million pensioners. Previously, eligible households received tax-free payments of up to £300 to help cover heating costs.
The Conservative Party, which conducted the analysis, claimed that the cuts had left many elderly people choosing between heating and eating, putting their health at risk and placing additional strain on the NHS.
Overall, NHS England recorded 2,186,905 A&E attendances among over-65s this winter, compared to 2,092,145 in the previous year. Across all age groups, total A&E visits increased by 287,849 (a 4% rise), while hospital admissions rose by 11%—equating to 216,826 additional cases.
