Particle.news
Download on the App Store
32 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Keir Starmer Signals Expanded Winter Fuel Payment Eligibility After Policy Backlash

The Prime Minister's partial U-turn follows local election losses, but details on thresholds and timing remain unclear.

Labour’s decision to cut the fuel allowance will be remembered as mean and nasty (Photo: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future/Getty)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The UK government plans to expand eligibility for winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, after criticism over last year's cuts that excluded 10 million pensioners.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the shift following poor local election results, but specifics on new thresholds and implementation timelines are yet to be confirmed.
  • Age UK and other advocates welcomed the reversal but warned that delays or insufficient changes could leave vulnerable pensioners struggling again this winter.
  • A YouGov poll revealed that 44% of respondents support means-testing with broader eligibility, while 33% favor a return to universal payments.
  • Labour faces mounting internal pressure, with backbench MPs and devolved leaders calling for further welfare reforms, including full restoration of the winter fuel payments.