The UK government faces backlash over its decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirming no specific impact assessment on health vulnerabilities was conducted. The cut, aimed at addressing a £22 billion deficit, will now only provide payments to pensioners on credit or certain benefits, reducing recipients from 10.8 million to 1.5 million. Critics, including former PM Rishi Sunak and charity Age UK, argue this could lead to increased poverty and health risks among the elderly. Starmer defends the move by citing economic stabilization and upcoming pension increases but refuses to disclose any internal assessments. Additionally, concerns are rising over potential changes to the single-person council tax discount, which could affect up to 8.4 million people, including many retirees.