MPs welcome U-turn on winter fuel payment cut

A POTENTIAL Government U-turn on cuts to pensioners' winter fuel payments has been welcomed by North East Labour MPs.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Speaking in the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions last Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said his Government wanted "to ensure that more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments" as the economy improved.

However, any changes would only be made during a so-called "fiscal event" - in other words, the budget or a spending review.

Labour has faced significant criticism for the policy, which stopped payments for the majority of pensioners, saving £1.5bn. It has been labelled as a key reason for the party's poor performance at this month's local elections, with many campaigners revealing the issue was constantly brought up on the doorstep.