Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner indicated that an update on Winter Fuel Payments could be announced next month after Sir Keir Starmer pledged to restore the benefit
Plans to restore Winter Fuel Payments to more pensioners could be unveiled as early as next month, according to Angela Rayner. The Deputy Prime Minister hinted that the Spending Review, scheduled for June 11, may provide an update on the matter.
The Labour Government had previously limited the annual payment of up to £300 to only those receiving certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit, in an effort to address a £22 billion ‘black hole’ in the public purse. However, with the UK’s economic prospects improving, Sir Keir Starmer expressed his desire to reinstate the payments to “more pensioners,” at the next “fiscal event”.
While many expected this to happen in the Autumn Budget, Ms Rayner suggested it could happen sooner.
She stated on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “I think that we’ve got the upcoming Spending Review, and I’m sure that the Chancellor will set it out when we’ve got the opportunity, at the first opportunity, she will set out what we’ll be able to do.”
When asked if the Spending Review would definitely include details on the Winter Fuel Payment, Ms Rayner replied: “I don’t know, but I hope so.
“I mean, the Prime Minister has announced it, so logically to me that indicates that the Prime Minister wants to do something in this area. And if the Prime Minister wants to do that, I’m sure the Chancellor is going to look at how we can achieve that.”, reports the Daily Record.
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Ministers are mulling over the reinstatement of the payment for all but the wealthiest pensioners, as reported by the Sunday Times, yet there could be a hold-up in its distribution this winter due to outdated computer systems.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for the immediate return of the Winter Fuel Payment. During her appearance on BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, she stated: “We need to restore it right now.
“We would never have taken the winter fuel (payment) away. We kept it for 14 years – we brought in the Triple Lock – we look after pensioners.”
In contrast, earlier this year, the Scottish Government declared that every one of the 1.1 million pensioners residing in Scotland would get a minimum of £100 this winter.
First Minister John Swinney confirmed to the Daily Record last week that payments of either £100, £203 or £305 would be made by St Andrew’s Day on November 30.
