The Government has ruled out reversing cuts to winter fuel payments after speculation in the press this morning following last week’s local elections
The decision to means-test the pensioner benefit was one of the earliest decisions made by this government after taking office in an attempt to fill the £22 billion black hole left by the previous Government
However the decision has seen some of the most vociferous criticism of Kier Starmer’s Government as electioneers knocked on people’s doors during the local election campaign
During a briefing by Downing Street this lunchtime the PM’s spokesperson said the policy would not change.
Asked if the policy was likely to change, the spokesperson said:
The government has set out his position on means testing winter fuel [payments]. It was was a difficult decision, but it was one that the government had to take to repair our public finances and stabilise the economy.
The government’s priority is ensuring that pensioners receive the financial support they deserve, with millions set to see their state pension rise by over £1,900 pounds over the course of this parliament through our commitments to the triple lock.
And beyond that, we’ve actually boosted the pension credit campaign. We’ve seen over 105,000 extra applications on the previous year. We’ve extended the household support fund with over £400m to ensure local authorities can support vulnerable people and families, which itself ensures around 1.3 million households in England and Wales will continue to receive up to £300 pounds in which fuel payments.
And, beyond that, we’ve announced previous plans to extend the warm homes discount.”
