Labour targeted with fresh demands for Winter Fuel Allowance U-turn

Last summer, the newly appointed Labour Government announced changes to who can claim the Winter Fuel Allowance - and it certainly proved a contentious decision, with many now calling for a U-turn.

In the past, Winter Fuel Payments were worth up to £300 and available to everyone over state pension age. However, last July it was announced by Chancellor that going forward, the payments would be means-tested, meaning 10 million fewer pensioners are now eligibile for the scheme.

In order to now be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments you have to have been born before September 23, 1958, and be claiming either Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit. There has been widespread opposition to the cuts including from Age UK and one of Labour's most powerful union backers, Unite.

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Earlier this year, we asked readers - A total of 20,928 people responded to the poll, and the results were overwhelming, with 19,538 (93%) voting 'yes', and just 1,326 (7%) people voting 'no'.

Manyin response to the poll. Username 331 said: "I'm a 72yr old pensioner living alone. Since the year after the pandemic I retired and I have gone to bed every afternoon in order to save on gas and electricity." Having believed they weren't entitled to the winter fuel payment, '331' received help with their pension credit and recieved backdated pay. They added: "I was one of the lucky ones but there are loads in the same condition that I was in. I believe that all retired people and people that need the help should be entitled to it. I worked until I was 68yrs old and so have many others. We paid into the system, but the system just stamped all over us."

Citing concerns about other benefits which aren't means-tested, Mrs Ted said: "I don't mind that the Govt are looking at ways to but the threshold is way, way too low. And it rankles that people can now get free Breakfast Club and not be means tested at all! Wealthy parents should not be getting this freebie any more than wealthy pensioners should get a freebie - means test all of these things to be fair to all."

jane59 said: "Yes without this I’m cold and I get state pension only the pension credit is lower but now I know pension credit people get all the other benefits, which I’ve no problem with but what about us I get £230 a week it’s less than half one person gets as minimum wage!"

Clippie criticised the government further, commenting: "Always money for war while claiming there's no money for the essential services we pay for and clawing back from the elderly and disabled what they rely on to live!"

However, some commenters who voted no made their feelings clear - and took the opportunity to criticise the government on a wider level at the same time. soundthought said: "No. The only change needed is our over resourced political system set up to delay, obstruct, deviate and confuse quite unnecessary. The number of seats needs to be halved and the money available for each seat controlled by that seat in making decisions based on needs for that constituency. The government should be twelve elected for bigger issues as in MOD, Education, and taxes."

LynxVegas said: "Rather than re-instate it, should increase the cut-off threshold, which [probably] hasn't changed since it was introduced, in 1997. It should be £20k minimum. Average workers income is £30k, but pensioners can live on less."

Fleur Baladine said: "I got the winter fuel payment and, although I’m not rolling in it, I didn’t really need it. It needs to be restricted to those who really need it. Linking it to Pension Credit makes sense. However, to make this cut as one of the first actions of a LABOUR government was unbelievably tone deaf. It makes me worry about their advisers and their political judgement."

In a direct criticism of PM Sir , NigeBoddy commented: "There are two ways to be a leader. One is to be loved. The other is to be feared. I regret to say the PM is neither."

What do you think - do you agree with the readers' comments above? or have your say in the comments below.