Usdaw welcomes the Chancellor reinstating the benefit to most pensioners this winter

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Targeting winter fuel payments was a tough decision but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government. It is also right that we continue to means test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest. But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the winter fuel payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out. This will mean over three-quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter.”

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary says: “It is right that the Government has listened to concerns and acted. So we welcome the Chancellor’s decision to reinstate the Winter Fuel Payments to the vast majority of pensioners. Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments was raised by many of our members attending the recent Usdaw Annual Delegate Meeting; it is an issue close to the hearts of many. 

“We all know that the new Labour Government inherited an economy that was in a real mess, and many would agree that some tough measures needed to be taken to get Britain's economy back on the right track, but it’s important that the Government protects the most vulnerable in our society.”