Overview
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves defends the decision to cut winter fuel payments, citing a £22 billion deficit.
- The cuts will affect 10 million pensioners, reducing recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
- Energy bills are set to rise by £149 from October, increasing pressure on vulnerable households.
- Charities warn that the cuts could lead to a public health crisis and higher NHS demand.
- Ministers urge energy suppliers to provide more support for those in debt and improve energy efficiency measures.