9 million to get winter fuel cash after U-turn

NINE million pensioners in England and Wales will receive the winter fuel payment after a £1.25 billion Government U-turn.

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The payment, worth up to £300, will be restored to the vast majority of pensioners as anyone with income of under £35,000 will now get the payment automatically.

Rachel Reeves said the Government had "listened to people's concerns" about limit-ing the payment and was now able to widen eligibility because Labour had restored "stability" to the economy.

Ministers insisted no additional borrow-ing will be needed to cover the reversal, prompting warnings of tax rises.

Those with an income above £35,000 will also receive the payment, but it will then be reclaimed from them in tax.