PM defends winter fuel payment cuts

SIR Keir Starmer has defended stopping all pensioners receiving the winter fuel payment, amid warnings it could create a 'public health emergency! The Prime Minister used a speech in Downing Street's rose garden to claim he 'didn't want to means-test' the payment, but said it was a 'choice we had to make' to help 'repair the public finances.

The Government's policy will stop winter fuel payments for people in England and Wales who are not in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.

That policy is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the up to £300 payment by 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving some £1.4bn this financial year.

Sir Keir said there is a need to be 'honest with people about the choices that we face, adding: "Things will get worse before they get better."