Overview

• No 10 is actively reviewing the means-tested Winter Fuel Payment policy, with discussions on raising the £11,500 income threshold or reversing the cuts entirely.
• The policy, introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last year, removed eligibility for 10 million pensioners, saving £1.4 billion to address a £22 billion budget shortfall.
• Labour backbenchers have strongly opposed the cuts, with 200 MPs signing a letter urging changes and 60 threatening to defy the party whip in an upcoming vote.
• Public backlash and significant electoral losses, including the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, have heightened pressure on the government to reconsider the policy.
• Any potential changes could be announced during the June spending review, with Labour leaders emphasizing the need to balance fiscal responsibility and social support.