Starmer Plans U-Turn on Winter Fuel Payments Amid Economic Pressure
UK PM Keir Starmer announces potential changes to winter fuel payments, aiming to widen eligibility for retirees facing economic hardships.
Summary
In response to inflation and political pressure, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reconsidering the winter fuel payment policy, which has faced backlash for depriving many retirees. Initially removed by Treasury chief Rachel Reeves to address public finances, the unpopular decision has contributed to Labour's declining popularity. Starmer indicated in Parliament that as the economy improves, his government aims to adjust eligibility for the payments, but no details will be finalized until the upcoming fiscal event. This U-turn comes amid growing discontent within Labour and just ahead of key economic discussions.
Sources (5)
- Starmer's U-turn on winter fuel payments comes too late and indicates poor timing, as the decision was widely unpopular among voters and contributed to Labour's electoral losses.
- Critics argue that Labour's decision to remove winter fuel payments highlighted a disconnect between the party leadership and the public's needs for financial support, damaging its image.
- Success in local elections was hindered by the unpopular cuts, suggesting that Labour's leadership must be more responsive to its base's concerns to regain public trust.
The Guardian·2d· "…Labour has been massively damaged by the decision to remove the winter fuel payment from most pensioners, as campaigners discovered during the local elections."