Sir Keir Starmer told Prime Minister’s Questions that he understood the financial pressures on pensioners
Sir Keir Starmer has said the Government wants to make more pensioners eligible for winter fuel payments. The Government is going to increase the number of pensioners who qualify for the winter fuel payments months after they cut the number that are eligible, the Prime Minister has announced.
Sir Keir Starmer told Prime Minister’s Questions that he understood the financial pressures on pensioners, in response to a question from Labour MP Sarah Owen (Luton North).
Sir Keir said: “I recognise that people are still feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis including pensioners. As the economy improves, we want to make sure people feel those improvements in their days as their lives go forward. That is why we want to ensure that as we go forward more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments.
“As you would expect Mr Speaker, we will only make decisions we can afford, that is why we will look at that as part of a fiscal event.”
Ms Owen had said: “Whilst the economy is showing signs of improving, many pensioners are still impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. People in Luton who have worked hard all their lives seeing their precious savings slip away, so can the Prime Minister tell us what measures he will take to help struggling pensions in towns like mine?”.
In July 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the Winter Fuel Payment would become means-tested starting from winter 2024/2025. Previously a universal benefit for pensioners, the payment is now limited to those receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits. This policy change removed eligibility for approximately 10 million pensioners in England and Wales, reducing the number of recipients from 10.8 million to about 1.5 million individuals in 1.3 million households .
The decision sparked significant backlash. Labour faced internal dissent, with over 170 backbench MPs expressing concerns about the cuts’ impact on pensioners and potential voter alienation . The policy was also linked to Labour’s losses in the May 2025 local elections, including a key by-election defeat in Runcorn & Helsby.
A Savanta poll indicated that 59% of respondents opposed the policy, with 78% of those aged 55 and over disapproving of the cuts.
Current Eligibility Criteria
For winter 2024/2025, to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, individuals must:
- Be born before 23 September 1958
- Reside in England or Wales
- Receive Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits
Payments range from £200 to £300, depending on age and circumstances, and are typically disbursed in November or December.
Given the evolving nature of this policy, it’s advisable to stay informed through official channels or consult with local support services to understand how these changes may affect you.
