Labour Reports Plans to Reverse Winter Fuel Payment Cuts Affecting 10 Million Pensioners

Labour, led by Sir Keir Starmer, is considering reversing or modifying the controversial cuts to the winter fuel payment that were implemented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which have excluded about 10 million pensioners by means-testing the benefit. The policy has been widely criticized within the party and by the public, with reports indicating it has damaged Labour's standing in recent local elections and sparked calls from MPs and organizations like Age UK and Unite to restore the payments, at least partially. Focus groups suggest voters might forgive a reversal or partial U-turn, prompting accelerated talks in No 10 Downing Street, with potential changes possibly announced as early as June. Despite government officials defending the cuts as necessary for economic stability and increased NHS investment, opposition parties and charities highlight the financial hardship faced by pensioners, with a YouGov poll showing 81% of over-65s cannot afford essentials on the state pension alone. Public opinion polls reveal overwhelming support for reversing the cuts, with 93% of respondents in a Mirror poll favoring a U-turn. The debate continues over whether to increase the income threshold for eligibility or fully restore the payments, reflecting broader concerns about pensioner poverty and the government’s welfare priorities.