Summary
Sir Keir Starmer plans to reverse recent cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners in response to political pressure. These changes aim to expand the number of pensioners eligible for the payments, though the exact details and timeline are not yet clear.
Key Facts
- Sir Keir Starmer announced a reversal on cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners.
- More than 10 million pensioners lost out on these payments last year when eligibility became linked to income.
- The winter fuel payment originally provided £200 to households with a pensioner under 80 and £300 to those with a pensioner over 80.
- Eligibility was previously universal but became limited to those qualifying for pension credit and other income-related benefits.
- Political pressure to reverse the cuts has grown, with criticism from unions and party members.
- The changes are expected to be part of the autumn Budget, but details on how many will benefit and when are still unknown.
- The income threshold for pension credit is £11,800 for individuals and £18,023 for couples.
- There are discussions on how to set a new income threshold for eligibility.
