Keir Starmer Urged to Publish Winter Fuel Payments Impact Assessment
Keir Starmer is under pressure to disclose the effects of cutting winter fuel payments for most pensioners in England and Wales. Despite opposition, the government’s plan has been approved in the Commons. During prime minister’s questions, Rishi Sunak urged Starmer to publish the impact assessment, raising concerns about potential poverty and deaths among pensioners. The policy change, effective next week, is expected to save over one billion dollars but affects millions of pensioners.
Keir Starmer has faced calls to clarify the impact of his decision to cut winter fuel allowances for all but the poorest pensioners in England and Wales.
Despite opposition from some Labour MPs, a vote in the Commons supported the government’s plan to means-test these payments.
During prime minister’s questions, Rishi Sunak repeatedly urged Starmer to publish an impact assessment of the policy, while Downing Street did not confirm if such an assessment existed.
The policy will remove the annual heating allowance of either one hundred and ninety or three hundred dollars for all pensioners except those on pension credit, raising fears among charities and campaigners that it could drive some into poverty.
Ministers argue that the projected four hundred and sixty dollar increase in state pensions next year will offset the allowance cut.
Sunak cited a 2017 Labour analysis predicting 3,850 deaths due to similar cuts, challenging Starmer on whether the current figures are higher or lower.
Starmer claimed the move was necessary to stabilize the economy and maintain the triple lock on pensions.
The policy is expected to reduce the number of recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving over one billion dollars annually, and is set to be implemented next week.
Despite opposition from some Labour MPs, a vote in the Commons supported the government’s plan to means-test these payments.
During prime minister’s questions, Rishi Sunak repeatedly urged Starmer to publish an impact assessment of the policy, while Downing Street did not confirm if such an assessment existed.
The policy will remove the annual heating allowance of either one hundred and ninety or three hundred dollars for all pensioners except those on pension credit, raising fears among charities and campaigners that it could drive some into poverty.
Ministers argue that the projected four hundred and sixty dollar increase in state pensions next year will offset the allowance cut.
Sunak cited a 2017 Labour analysis predicting 3,850 deaths due to similar cuts, challenging Starmer on whether the current figures are higher or lower.
Starmer claimed the move was necessary to stabilize the economy and maintain the triple lock on pensions.
The policy is expected to reduce the number of recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving over one billion dollars annually, and is set to be implemented next week.