Devon MP urges action as Starmer signals winter fuel payment rethink

South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith has called on the Labour government to urgently reverse recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, warning that pensioners could face another winter of uncertainty.

Her comments follow Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that the government will ease restrictions on the payment, marking a U-turn in policy after growing criticism.

“The first decision Labour took in office was to cut the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners,” Ms Smith said in a statement on Thursday. 

“I have been campaigning relentlessly with my Conservative colleagues for almost a year for this cruel policy to be reversed.”

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment designed to help older people with heating bills. It is typically worth between £200 and £300, depending on age and eligibility.

Last year, changes made the payment means-tested, meaning only pensioners receiving certain benefits qualified. 

As a result, more than 10 million pensioners reportedly lost access to the payment.

At Prime Minister's Questions this week, Sir Keir confirmed the government would now “change the threshold to allow more pensioners to qualify again”.

However, details of how many people will regain entitlement, and when, remain unclear. 

The Prime Minister said changes would be introduced in the autumn Budget, expected in October 2025, and stressed that ministers would only “make decisions we can afford”.

“Finally this has cut through,” said Ms Smith. 

“Yesterday at Prime Minister's Questions Keir Starmer said he wanted more pensioners to be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.”

But she also raised concerns about the delay in implementing any changes.

“Despite this progress, Starmer has refused to make any commitment until the next Budget in October 2025. Without this certainty, pensioners in South West Devon will continue to worry about going cold for another winter.”

“Starmer has conceded fault; he must now stop the dithering and delaying, do right by our pensioners and honour the Winter Fuel Payment in full. I will continue to pressure the Labour Government for this vital change.”

The initial decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment led to widespread criticism, including from charities, opposition MPs and some within the Labour Party. 

The government has argued that the policy was aimed at targeting support at those most in need while managing public finances responsibly.

Sir Keir’s announcement comes amid broader discussions about the cost of living and support for older people.

Consumer rights advocate Martin Lewis reacted to the Prime Minister’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) on May 22, writing: “Very pleased to just hear the Prime Minister has just said he wants more state pensioners to get Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) and they will work out what they're doing in time for the budget.” 

In the same post, he described the original change to the policy as an “unpopular mess”.

While the Prime Minister has indicated change is coming, many campaigners and MPs are urging the government to act sooner, so pensioners can plan ahead before next winter.