The government is set to ease controversial cuts to the winter fuel payment scheme, which assists pensioners with heating costs during the colder months. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in Parliament his intention to make more older people eligible for these vital payments.
This announcement came unexpectedly during the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session, a few weeks after the government had denied any plans to reverse the cuts. The Labour administration has faced mounting pressure to relax the eligibility criteria for the £300 winter fuel payment.
Starmer attributed this policy shift to improvements in the UK’s economic outlook. Last year, the unpopular cuts were justified as a necessary measure to address a significant fiscal deficit—an issue the Labour Party claims was exacerbated by years of Conservative governance.
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Speaking at PMQs, Starmer stated: “We all know the economy was left in absolute mess by the Tories. We had to stabilise the economy with tough, but right, decisions. Because of those decisions, it is beginning to improve.”
He further acknowledged the ongoing cost-of-living challenges faced by pensioners and pledged that as the economy strengthens, more pensioners will benefit from improved support. Starmer emphasized that affordability remains a priority, with changes to be considered within the framework of upcoming fiscal plans.
The initial decision to reduce winter fuel payments was widely criticised and linked to Labour’s disappointing local election results, which saw Nigel Farage’s Reform party make significant gains. Additionally, within Labour, calls have intensified to reconsider broad disability benefit cuts that could push hundreds of thousands into poverty, according to government analyses.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the benefit cuts, saying, “We must ensure our welfare state is sustainable for the future. We need to shift spending from the costs of failure towards investing in jobs, skills, and public services to build better lives.”
As the government rethinks its approach, the public is invited to share their views: Is the decision to expand winter fuel payments the right move? Will this reversal bolster or damage the government’s standing?