Chancellor defends axe of winter fuel payments

RACHEL Reeves has ignored calls to reverse her decision to cut winter fuel payments, amid warnings pensioners are "frightened" about how they will keep warm.

The Chancellor defended the move as she repeatedly told MPs that increases to the basic state pension mean that people will be "£900 better off" than a year ago, adding the Labour Government is committed to increasing it further in the coming years.

She faced warnings from her own MPs and those on the opposition benches about the potential consequences of stopping winter fuel payments for people in England and Wales who are not in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.