Downing Street is reassessing the controversial cut to winter fuel payments for pensioners due to growing concerns within the government about its potential impact on upcoming elections. Labour's heavy losses in recent local elections, where public anger regarding these cuts surfaced, has intensified scrutiny. While a total reversal is unlikely, there is discussion about raising the eligibility threshold. Ministers are worried these cuts, in tandem with broader benefit reductions, could alienate voters further, and senior officials perceive the policy decision as a mistake that could jeopardize future electoral prospects. Additionally, a speech by the Welsh first minister is anticipated to further criticize welfare cuts.
A cabinet minister said: It comes up on the doorstep all the time. Winter fuel will lose us the next election, it was a terrible mistake. But it's probably too late for a U-turn now.
Labour party activists say the subject of benefits was raised repeatedly on the doorstep in the local elections across England and were a key factor in the party's loss to Nigel Farage's Reform UK at the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary byelection.
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