Ed Miliband Defends Winter Fuel Cut Amid Criticism Over Pensioner Impact

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband defended the Labour government's decision to cut winter fuel payments to wealthier pensioners, asserting that the aim was to stop millionaires from receiving the handout. Despite initial cuts last year that withdrew payments from over 10 million pensioners, the government partially reversed this decision under public pressure, now extending payments to around 9 million pensioners with annual incomes up to £35,000. Miliband emphasized that the original cut was necessary to stabilize the economy and rejected calls that it was a mistake, stressing that the government listened to public concerns and is accommodating the expanded payments within fiscal plans. However, senior Tory politicians accused Miliband of rewriting history and spreading falsehoods, highlighting that some affected pensioners earned as little as £12,000 annually. Meanwhile, a £13 billion warm homes scheme funding insulation and green heating upgrades has been preserved ahead of the upcoming spending review, reflecting ongoing government commitment to its Net Zero agenda. The government has yet to specify how it will fund the expanded winter fuel payments, promising details in the autumn Budget.