‘Damage is done’: Winter fuel u-turn slammed by North East pensioners
Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to signal a possible widening of eligibility for the winter fuel payment has prompted a wave of reaction across the region, with many pensioners and their families taking to social media to voice their frustration, disappointment, and, for a few, cautious optimism.
The Prime Minister said on Wednesday (May 21) that “as the economy improves”, he would look at extending the winter fuel payment to more pensioners.
However, some North East residents feel the government has not done enough to support older people with rising energy costs.
Stewart Hill said: “All pensioners paid with a lifetime of work and earned that Pension …it wasn’t given to us.
“It is not a privilege but our right.
“It’s already impossible to exist on just a Pension without using savings.”
Others questioned the motives for the u-turn.
Sheila Bennett said: “What a load of rubbish, he is just back tracking because they know pensioners won’t be voting Labour any more!!!”
Hazel Clark echoed this sentiment, saying that announcement came ‘too late’ and that the “damage is done.”
Government officials have yet to confirm how many more people will actually benefit, or whether any changes will come into effect for the upcoming winter.
Some residents felt the government is still not doing enough.
Debbie Flatman Gibson said: “Start by giving all of the pensioners the money they should have had last winter.”
Michael Dunn added: “A pensioner is a pensioner and should automatically receive it.”
The payment, worth up to £300, was previously available to all pensioners but was means-tested last year by the new Labour government.
A few residents welcomed the announcement, seeing it as a positive step.
Janine Waite said: “Fantastic decision by the Labour Party.
“Good to see they listened.”
Mick Willis also defended the move and said: “Do you want a Prime Minister who listens to the people, or not?
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“He’s listened and he will raise the threshold for eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment.
“Not all pensioners will receive it, but those who are most in need, will.
“Makes sense to me.”