Winter Fuel Payment Cuts Spark Political Tensions

Labour faces backlash as pensioners in non-Labour constituencies are disproportionately affected by benefit reductions.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves defends cuts citing a £22bn budget shortfall inherited from previous government.
Labour MPs express concerns about the impact on pensioners just above the pension credit eligibility level.
Proposals to mitigate the cuts include extending payments to lower council tax bands and introducing a more generous warm homes discount.
The reduction has led to significant public and political opposition, with a petition garnering 450,000 signatures.
The issue tests the relationship between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Reeves as they navigate fiscal responsibility and public sentiment.