Martin Lewis gives verdict on Starmer’s winter fuel U-turn and Labour’s benefits cuts
Martin Lewis has welcomed a partial U-turn by Sir Keir Starmer on winter fuel payments.On Wednesday, the prime minister announced he wanted to allow more pensioners to claim the winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, alongside improvements in the UK economy.It marked a turnaround for the Labour government, which, last July, said pensioners not in receipt of pension credits or other means tested benefited would not receive the cash to help with energy bill in colder months.The move came amid a mounting backlash from his own MPs concerned about the party’s performance at the recent local elections.Although no details have been released on how many more pensioners would be eligible, or if the policy would be altered in time for this winter, Mr Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, welcomed the move on social media.But speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday, Mr Lewis said the government needed to focus on the estimated 700,000 eligible people who were not claiming pension credit, as they will miss out on winter fuel payments as it stands.Currently, those aged over 66 in receipt of pension credits or other means tested benefits are eligible for the winter fuel payment.Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he wants to ensure more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments More