POLL: Has Labour betrayed pensioners with winter fuel payment cuts? | Politics | News
Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure over the government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments for almost 10 million pensioners in England and Wales.
The decision to axe the payment for pensioners has faced criticism but the Prime Minister saidLabour must “secure the foundations” of the economy.
He explained: “If you’re asking whether I recognise it’s a tough decision I absolutely recognise the tough decision.
“If you’re asking, would I want to make this decision, the answer is no, but I did not want to inherit a £22billion black hole, and I’m not prepared to walk past that.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the plans in July following Labour’s election win as part of measures to restore public finances after the Conservative government.
But what do you think? Are the PM and the Chancellor betraying pensioners with their controversial decision? Have your say in our poll below…
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MPs are due to vote in the Commons on Tuesday afternoon, September 10, on the controversial policy.
Age UK set up a petition against the policy, which has received more than 500,000 signatures.
A statement on the charity’s website said: “Cutting the Winter Fuel Payment this winter, with virtually no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong policy decision.
“We believe as many as two million pensioners who find paying their energy bills a real stretch will be seriously hit by this cut.”
The winter fuel allowance was previously available to almost everyone in the UK who was born before 25 September 1957 to help cover their heating costs.
However, from this winter, only those on pension credit or means-tested benefits will be eligible for the £200 tax-free lump sum or £300 if someone is over 80.
This Treasury said the change would mean just 1.5 million would receive the payments rather than 11.4 million, saving bout £1.5billion.
So what do YOU think? Has Labour betrayed pensioners with winter fuel payment cuts? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comment section below.
