Starmer Reverses Course on Winter Fuel Payments Amid Backbench Pressure

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Starmer Reverses Course on Winter Fuel Payments Amid Backbench Pressure

 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a significant policy reversal, pledging to extend eligibility for winter fuel payments to more pensioners just weeks after his government controversially slashed the benefit for millions.

 

The initial decision, made in one of the Labour government’s earliest actions, stripped winter fuel payments—worth up to £300 annually—from around nine million pensioners. The move quickly ignited discontent among Labour’s own ranks and proved to be a contentious issue during recent local election campaigns. Candidates reported that voters repeatedly raised the cutback during doorstep conversations, reflecting widespread concern about the policy’s impact on the elderly during a time of economic strain.

 

Under mounting pressure from his party’s backbenchers, Starmer sought to ease tensions and address the backlash during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday. Responding to Labour MP Sarah Owen, who asked what support the government would offer to pensioners facing the cost of living crisis, Starmer committed to broadening the scope of the winter fuel payment.

 

“We had to stabilise the economy with tough decisions but the right decisions,” Starmer said. “Because of those decisions the economy is going to improve—those growth figures last year, the highest growth in the G7, interest rates cuts four in a row, three trade deals. But I recognise people are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis, including pensioners, and as the economy improves we want to make sure people feel those improvements.”

 

Starmer continued: “That is why we wanted to ensure, as we go forward, more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payment. As you would expect, Mr Speaker, we will only make decisions we can afford. That is why we will look at that as part of a fiscal event.”

 

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the opposition, called Starmer’s shift in stance “extraordinary,” criticising the abrupt change as a sign of inconsistency in leadership. The climbdown comes after a private meeting between the prime minister and backbench Labour MPs earlier this week, during which the policy was directly challenged. Though Starmer defended the broader strategy of benefit reform during the meeting—referring to it as a “Labour cause”—the pressure clearly influenced his decision to re-evaluate the winter fuel payment.

 

Reports indicate that ministers are now examining the possibility of raising the income threshold under which pensioners qualify for the payment. The current threshold stands at £11,500, a figure many MPs and campaigners have argued is out of step with the realities of rising living costs.

 

Starmer’s reversal marks a rare early concession by the new Labour government, underscoring both the political risks of austerity-era reforms and the continuing economic pressures faced by pensioners across the UK.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times  2025-05-22

 

 

[The Cyclist]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

and the continuing economic pressures faced by pensioners across the UK.

 

Nothing to do with economic pressures on pensioners across the UK

 

😀😀😀

 

Amazing what losing 70% of your council seats that were contested will do.

 

Amazing what the rise of Reform will do.

 

Both Labour and the Tories are finished for at least a few GE Cycles.

 

You are both reaping what you sowed.

[JonnyF]

First the Enoch speech, now backing down on the granny freezing.

 

Those local elections have clearly spooked this 'orrible little man. 

 

Unfortunately, the damage is done. 

[Chomper Higgot]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

First the Enoch speech, now backing down on the granny freezing.

 

Those local elections have clearly spooked this 'orrible little man. 

 

Unfortunately, the damage is done. 

No Grannies froze.

 

 

He hasn’t backed down, he’s simply raised the means tested cut-off.

 

Former colleagues of mine retired on cumulative pensions of over twice the UK median wage will still my get the winter fuel allowance, nor should they.

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

No Grannies froze.

 

 

He hasn’t backed down, he’s simply raised the means tested cut-off.

 

Former colleagues of mine retired on cumulative pensions of over twice the UK median wage will still my get the winter fuel allowance, nor should they.

 

 

How do you know? Can you provide a link on that claim? You have special access to ONS figures that the general public doesn't on excess winter mortality for the period in question?

[Chomper Higgot]

13 hours ago, JonnyF said:

First the Enoch speech, now backing down on the granny freezing.

 

Those local elections have clearly spooked this 'orrible little man. 

 

Unfortunately, the damage is done. 

Jonny, you’ve claimed granny freezing.

 

Do you have evidence that this actually happened?