Chris Mason: Labour hopes to put winter fuel misstep behind them
Summary
Labour made changes to a policy about winter fuel payments, which affected many pensioners. The change was reversed after complaints, and now more pensioners will get the payment this winter. The payment's cost will be managed without a big increase in borrowing.Key Facts
- In July last year, Labour decided to limit the Winter Fuel Payment to about 1.5 million pensioners receiving certain benefits.
- This change aimed to save up to £1.5 billion each year.
- Many Labour MPs received complaints about the decision throughout the year.
- The policy change affected local elections and was discussed during a by-election in Runcorn, Cheshire.
- Recently, Labour reversed the decision, meaning more pensioners will qualify for the payment this winter.
- The new policy is expected to cost £1.25 billion.
- The government plans to manage this cost without a permanent increase in borrowing.
- Labour wants to move past this issue as they focus on the upcoming Spending Review.
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