Sir Keir Starmer has defended the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance for 10 million retirees as he encounters mounting pressure to reconsider this action.
Last month, the government announced that the universal payment for retirees, which ranges from £100 to £300 annually, would be limited exclusively to individuals receiving pension credit.
Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have faced significant backlash for this decision, including criticism from several Labour MPs and Age UK.
However, the prime minister stated on Monday: “We have discovered a £22 billion gap in our economy, and we must address it.
“We will not pretend it doesn’t exist or merely gloss over it. That was the approach of the previous administration, and it exacerbated the situation. This necessitates making difficult choices.
“I do not wish to eliminate the winter fuel allowance. I doubt anyone in the government desires to do so. Yet, it is crucial that we reinforce the structure of our economy.”
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He added that after we stabilize the foundations of the economy, “we can aspire to create a brighter future that retirees and many others envisioned in this election”.
“This is a challenging choice, one I would rather not have to make, but I am wholly committed to stabilizing the economy and fortifying its foundations,” he expressed.
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Labour MP Jessica Asato, elected in July, contacted Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall last week urging modifications to the policy, particularly to broaden the eligibility criteria for claimants.
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have criticized the initiative, with Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey labeling it as the government’s “premier significant blunder”.
Both political factions have demanded a vote on terminating the payments, yet the government has declined to facilitate one.
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Age UK, the UK’s foremost charity dedicated to older individuals, has communicated with Ms. Reeves, providing a comprehensive proposal advocating that the allowance should be extended to include an additional two million retirees who qualify for other benefits, such as housing benefits, council tax support, attendance allowance, and carers’ allowance.
On Sunday, Commons leader Lucy Powell stated to Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that the cuts were essential to prevent a potential economic collapse had the savings not been identified.
