The proposed cuts to Winter Fuel Payments have been a divisive issue over the last few months – and we want to know, should Labour U-turn on the decision?
There has been a lot of talk over the last few months about the Labour government’s decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments.
Worth up to £300 depending on living arrangements and recipients’ age, Winter Fuel Payments used to be available to everyone over state pension age.
However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that they would be means-tested, resulting in 10 million fewer pensioners being eligible for the scheme.
In order to now be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments you have to have been born before September 23, 1958, and be claiming either Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit.
There has been opposition to the cuts from several places – an online petition calling for the government to reverse their decision currently has over 18,000 signatures. This petition will now be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate, as it has passed the 10,000 signature threshold required.
If you can’t see the poll, click here .
That petition, along with another by Age UK, are not the only opposition to the cuts however.
One of Labour’s most powerful union backers has threatened the government with legal action over the cuts.
Unite – the largest trade union and one of Labour’s major donors – warned the government earlier this month that they could face a possible judicial review, in a letter to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall.
This decision came after the Chancellor refused to cancel the decision, claiming that it was a difficult and necessary decision based on the £22billion public finance debt inherited from the Tories.
The government’s decision has also been criticised by the Scottish National Party and various charities.
However, at least one company has proposed a support scheme for some customers.
Octopus Energy has extended their £30million assistance fund this winter, ensuring that state pensioners who are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year can benefits from their scheme instead.
Despite the opposition, Labour have held firm in their decision to cut the payments. So we want to know – should Labour U-turn on Winter Fuel Payment cuts? Take our poll above and have your say in the comments below!
