Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a significant shift in the government’s approach to winter fuel payments for pensioners. After earlier denying any plans to reverse recent cuts, Starmer revealed in Parliament that more older adults may soon qualify for the £300 winter fuel payment, a lifeline during colder months.
The announcement came during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), reflecting growing pressure on the Labour government to ease eligibility criteria following widespread criticism. Last year’s cuts were initially defended as essential to address a financial shortfall attributed to previous Conservative administrations.
Starmer addressed these concerns, stating: “We all know the economy was left in absolute mess by the Tories. We had to stabilise the economy with tough decisions but the right decisions. Because of those decisions, it is beginning to improve.”
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Acknowledging ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting pensioners, he added, “As the economy improves, we want to ensure more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments, so they can feel these improvements in their daily lives.”
However, Starmer emphasized fiscal responsibility: “We will only make decisions we can afford, and this will be reviewed as part of an upcoming fiscal event.”
The original cuts to winter fuel payments sparked widespread backlash, contributing to Labour’s poor performance in local elections and gains by Nigel Farage’s Reform Party. Additionally, internal party debates continue over proposed disability benefit cuts, with concerns about pushing vulnerable people into poverty.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the government’s welfare reforms, highlighting the need for sustainable spending: “We must shift from covering the costs of failure to investing in jobs, skills, and public services that help people build better lives.”
This announcement invites public response: Is the government’s U-turn on winter fuel payments the right move? Will this rebuild trust or further complicate Labour’s standing? Share your views and join the conversation.