Keir starmer announces new cost of living payments for more state pensioners

IT FOLLOWS A BACKLASH OVER CUTS TO WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS 12:44, 21 May 2025 More pensioners will get cost of living support after the Prime Minister announced he was backing down over a

controversial policy. Winter Fuel Payments look set to be extended to reach more pensioners following a backlash over cuts last year. It is not clear exactly when rule changes will kick in,

but Keir Starmer said he wanted to "ensure as we go forward more pensioners are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments". READ MORE: 'ALMOST EVERY DRIVER' BREAKS THIS IMPORTANT

LAW EVERY DAY GET ALL THE LATEST MOTORING NEWS SENT TO YOUR INBOX BY SIGNING UP TO OUR NEW NEWSLETTER HERE He added the Government "will look at the thresholds". It will mean more

older people qualifying for the payments, worth up to £300 to help cover energy bills over the cold winter months. It marks a major U-turn from the PM, who had previously stood firm over

the controversial changes. But weeks of pressure following poor local election results, amid claims cuts for pensioners were losing Labour support among voters, has prompted the Government

to act. The allowance used to be given to all pensioners but now only goes to those on Pension Credit and some other benefits. But those rules led to millions on low incomes losing out, as

charities claimed they were left struggling to heat their homes. To make matters worse, Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits. A full reversal looks unlikely, instead the

income threshold for qualifying is expected to be raised. Starmer said changes would be on the way but would be announced as part of a fiscal event, which could be the Budget in the autumn.

The PM told the Commons: "I recognise people are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis, including pensioners. "And as the economy improves we want to make sure

people feel those improvements as their lives go forward. "And that is why we want to ensure that as we go forward more pensioners are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments. "As you

would expect, we will only make decisions we can afford. That is why we will look at that as part of a fiscal event." Article continues below Pressed to elaborate further by Tory leader

Kemi Badenoch, he added: "As the economy improves we want to take measures that improve people's lives so we will look at the thresholds but that will have to be part of a fiscal

event."