Overview

• Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the means test for winter fuel payments will be raised to extend the benefit to more pensioners this winter.
• Pensions Minister Torsten Bell reiterated that universal winter fuel payments will not be restored to high-income pensioners.
• The government said it will publish the revised eligibility threshold and funding plan in the autumn Budget.
• Last July’s reform reduced recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million as part of efforts to close a £22 billion fiscal gap.
• The partial reversal reflects stronger public finances and political pressure after Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections.