Labour’s winter fuel payment cuts will see an extra 100,000 pensioners in relative poverty after housing costs by 2027.
The Government analysis of the impact of its controversial decision to restrict the allowance was published by the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee today.
Tory shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately said: “Finally the dam breaks and we get to see what Labour have known all along.
“Their winter fuel payment cuts are going to plunge 100,000 pensioners into poverty in the next few years.
“Clearly Keir Starmer feels like that’s a price worth paying to make a political point. But I don’t think those pensioners would agree with him.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves sparked a backlash in July when she announced previously universal winter fuel payments would be limited to only those on pension credit.
She blamed the move on a £22 billion black hole in the public finances left by the Tories, which they deny.
The change will see around 10 million OAPs lose the allowance of up to £300 and is expected to save up to £1.5 billion a year.
But it has been widely condemned by opposition parties, charities, unions and some Labour politicians.
Scottish Labour today vowed to reinstate the payments to all pensioners north of the border if the party wins the next Holyrood election in 2026.
Under the plans, the amount would be tapered so that wealthier pensioners receive less.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “For months I have said that the eligibility criterion of pension credit is too low and called for a Scottish solution to this issue.
“That’s why Scottish Labour will take back this devolved power from the DWP, reinstate the winter fuel payment, and deliver a fairer system to ensure that everyone who needs support gets it.”
Ms Whately said: “Even the Scottish Labour Party can’t stomach Keir’s winter fuel payment cut any longer.
“He’s going to leave hundreds of thousands of vulnerable pensioners struggling to pay their bills this winter just to make a political point.
“There is still time for him to back down before it’s too late.”
