Winter fuel payment u-turn is ‘right decision’ say readers
Many said the decision was the right one, but questioned Rachel Reeves’ motivation and criticised the Government for cutting the handout in the first place.
Ms Reeves announced on Monday (June 9) that the payment will be reinstated this winter for nine million OAPs, but not those with an income of more than £35,000 a year.
Speaking during a visit to north London, the Chancellor said: “From this winter, nine million pensioners will now receive winter fuel payments.
“It will still be means-tested, but at a higher level, we’ve listened to people’s concerns around the level of the means test.”
Ms Reeves suggests that the “stability we’ve brought back to the economy” meant the Government was able to change the eligibility threshold for winter fuel payments.
Reacting to the news, Echo readers were quick to praise the decision, but some felt the Government had been forced into the move to win back votes it feared losing.
Stephen Duce said: “That will be helpful for many. I hope that this government will also consider increasing the income tax personal allowance that has been frozen for several years. This would help those on low incomes, including state pensioners.”
Paul David Hamilton commented: “Should never have taken it away, but correct decision to reinstate for most pensioners”
Steve Warren added: “Good that the Government is listening and has had the courage to change its position when the economy allows it. It wouldn’t have been necessary in the first place if the Tories hadn’t crashed the country’s finances.”
But Pat Shaw said: “MPs were worried about the next general election because the electorate were so angry about it being taken away, they said they’d lose their seats. I don’t believe for one minute she’s backtracked because she cares about pensioners ,she doesn’t”
Darren Tray agreed with Pat Shaw, adding: “This is only done to try and win back votes, should never have been taken in the first place.”
Costs of the U-turn will be accounted for at the autumn budget, the Treasury said, but the plan will not require extra borrowing, according to the Government department.
Meanwhile, political reaction bore largely the same tone. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Opposition, claimed the Prime Minister had “scrambled to clear up a mess of his own making”.
The Conservative leader added: “I repeatedly challenged him to reverse his callous decision to withdraw winter fuel payments, and every time Starmer arrogantly dismissed my criticisms.
“This humiliating U-turn will come as scant comfort to the pensioners forced to choose between heating and eating last winter.
“The Prime Minister should now apologise for his terrible judgment.”
Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey added: “Finally, the Chancellor has listened to the Liberal Democrats and the tireless campaigners in realising how disastrous this policy was, but the misery it has caused cannot be overstated.
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“Countless pensioners were forced to choose between heating and eating all whilst the Government buried its head in the sand for months on end, ignoring those who were really suffering.
“We will now study the detail of this proposal closely to make sure those who need support actually get that support.
“The pain they went through this winter cannot be for nothing.”