Technology Secretary Peter Kyle expressed that restricting winter fuel payments was a decision taken with a "heavy heart," acknowledging it would push 50,000 pensioners into poverty. He justified the choice, emphasizing its necessity for public financial stability.
The government revealed that restricting the £300 winter fuel payment affects around 9 million pensioners, cutting off support introduced in 1997 as a universal entitlement meant to ensure heating during cold months.
The change to winter fuel payments, described as a difficult yet essential move to counter a fiscal "black hole," comes after unexpected disclosures and has drawn criticism for not aligning with Labour's election manifesto.
In response to the planned restriction, Scottish Labour pledged to restore universal winter fuel payments if elected in the upcoming 2026 elections, emphasizing support for all pensioners regardless of income.
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