US EditionRachel Reeves confirms more pensioners will get winter fuel payments
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that a larger number of pensioners will qualify for winter fuel payments this year, although the payments will not be provided to all pensioners universally.
- After Labour’s 2024 election win, winter fuel payments became means-tested starting in winter 2024 to help address a £22 billion shortfall in public finances, drastically reducing the number of beneficiaries from over eleven million to just around one and a half million.
- Pensions minister Torsten Bell said the government plans to increase eligibility while maintaining means-testing, with no return to universal payments to avoid aiding high earners.
- Reeves stated the means test will expand and that funding details will be announced at the next budget to ensure policies remain affordable and targeted.
- This partial policy reversal suggests the government aims to support lower-income pensioners who missed out, reflecting economic improvements and political pressure after electoral setbacks.
83 Articles
83 Articles
The Northern Echo
Winter fuel payments will return for more pensioners, government confirms
The Government wants to make more pensioners eligible for winter fuel payments and rethink the controversial cuts to pensioners’ benefits.
Winter fuel payments will be reinstated this year, Reeves insists
Labour’s winter fuel payment cut has proven one of the most controversial policies brought in by the party since it got into government last summer – and today Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised the payment will be reinstated to some pensioners by this winter. Speaking from Manchester this morning, the Chancellor said that ‘more people
Winter fuel payments to be reinstated this year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that some winter fuel payments will be reinstated in time for this winter, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he wanted to widen the threshold for winter fuel support. The decision to means-test the previously universal payment, worth up to £300 to help cover energy costs, was one of the first announcements made by the chancellor after Labour’s landslide election victory last year. However, the policy r…
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