Government to review winter fuel policy

Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the government will review its controversial winter fuel policy.

Since last year, winter fuel payments have been limited to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

But speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions today (21 May), Sir Keir said the government wants to ensure more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments.

This suggests that the income threshold at which pensioners stop receiving the benefit - currently £11,500 - could be increased.

“I recognise that people are still feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis including pensioners,” he said.

“As the economy improves, we want to make sure people feel those improvements in their days as their lives go forward.”

However, the prime minister said the government will “only make decisions we can afford”.

“That is why we will look at that as part of a fiscal event,” Sir Keir added.

That means an announcement on winter fuel payments could be included in this autumn’s Budget.