Downing Street States No Impact Assessment Conducted on Reduction of Pensioners’ Fuel Benefits
This week, the government successfully defended against a Conservative challenge in the House of Commons to reverse a decision, with a vote of 348 to 228, and one Labour MP going against the party line.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer admitted that there was no impact assessment conducted before cutting winter fuel support for elderly individuals.
The Conservatives have been pushing for an impact assessment for the plan to reduce access to Winter Fuel Payments, bringing down the number of recipients from 10.8 million to 1.5 million.
When asked about publishing an impact assessment, Starmer stated that there was no such report on his desk and that the government was not legally required to produce one.
A Downing Street spokeswoman clarified that no assessment was needed as the legislation cost did not exceed £10 million and that efforts are being made to ensure support reaches the most vulnerable individuals through pension credit.
“We’ve had to make tough decisions to balance the books given the state of public finances,” she added.
The Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300 this year, is now only available to seniors on means-tested benefits, and the government believes this change will help improve the economy by saving £1.3 billion.
Conservatives Fail in Challenge
Starmer defended the decision to cut winter fuel allowances as necessary to fulfill election promises and stabilize the economy.
A Conservative motion to block the cuts was defeated in the House of Commons, with some dissent even within the Labour party.
One Labour MP, Jon Trickett, rebelled and voted with the Conservatives due to concerns about the impact on his constituents.
Charity Age UK criticized the decision to cut winter fuel allowances as “reckless and wrong,” highlighting the lack of notice and protective measures for vulnerable pensioners.
Pensions consultancy firm LCP found that many pensioners living below the poverty line are not claiming Pension Credit, potentially leaving them without necessary support.
The government is encouraging eligible pensioners to apply for Pension Credit and other available support to receive Winter Fuel Payments.
PA Media contributed to this report.
