Labour Government warned over winter fuel payment cuts impacting millions of pensioners

The Labour Government's plans to cut the Winter Fuel Payment have come under fire from its own advisory body, which has warned that the proposed legislation could leave nearly 10 million pensioners vulnerable as winter approaches. The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), which reviews government welfare policies, raised concerns that the Winter Fuel Payment regulations are "not fit for purpose" and could disproportionately affect those already living in poverty.

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, the SSAC urged immediate amendments to the legislation before the cold weather sets in. The committee warned that the policy would raise less money than originally expected, calling the government's estimate of saving £1.5 billion annually "a sizeable overestimate".

The advisory body highlighted that encouraging pensioners to claim Pension Credit, as ministers have suggested, could actually increase costs to the taxpayer, rather than achieve the intended savings.

Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon and Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, criticised the government’s decision, saying it came as a shock to millions of pensioners, many of whom are already struggling financially. "This is a major policy change that will remove the entitlement for up to 10 million pensioners, including many who are already in poverty," Mr Stride said. "Rushing such a policy through without proper scrutiny and consideration of its impact is reckless and unjustifiable."

Mr Stride and the Conservative opposition are calling on Labour to reverse the policy ahead of the upcoming Budget on October 31. The SSAC’s intervention adds pressure on the government to reconsider the cuts, amid growing concerns about how vulnerable pensioners will cope with rising energy costs this winter.