I am retired and my income last year from two work pensions was £16000 - will increase to £23500 after October when I get my SP. But my investments lost £5000 between July 2021 and July 2022 so net income was £18500. I do not have a mortgage, pay rent or have any other debts.
If there was support for people on low incomes then I think I would be included. However, I have decent investments and the ability to draw down on another pension scheme when my investments have been spent. I do not consider myself in need as I can cover the increases by dipping into my savings - exactly the reason I have them!
So any scheme based purely on income is going to have anomalies with people being helped who really don’t need it. I know my financial matters are slightly unusual in that I did not decide to take out an annuity from this private pension fund, I trust myself to use the money widely to fund my retirement and any care needs I might have.
Having said this, there is a need for some more support for many people, it is upsetting to read of families considering not heating their homes this winter and cutting back on food for their children. Mumsnet has several posts, as we do here, on tips to save money on energy bills.