Chancellor 'listened to Express readers'

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves insisted she had “listened” to Express readers’ concerns as she reversed her hated policy to cut the winter fuel benefit.

- By Express Political Team

Speaking exclusively to this newspaper, Ms Reeves said she “understood” and “listened”.

She claimed she was able to make the change because the economy is in a healthier position now than last July, when she swiped the allowance away within days of Labour's general election victory.

“I think Express readers can see the state of the economy, can see the state of the public finances that this Labour government inherited last year,” she said. “It meant a number of difficult decisions on welfare, on spending and on tax to restore stability to the public finances.”

Pressed on whether she empathises with the millions of pensioners who didn’t get the vital payment or have endured months of worry — she added: “Yes, I absolutely understand that there are people just above the pension credit level, who were concerned about losing the winter fuel payment. We were three-quarters of pensioners will now receive this benefit.

A total of nine million pensioners in England and Wales with an annual income of £35,000 or below will now be eligible for the payment of £200 per household with a pensioner under 80, or £300 with pensioners over 80.