Gloria Hunniford Slams Rachel Reeves Over ‘Awful’ Move That Could Devastate Pensioners!

Gloria Hunniford, a well-known broadcaster, has spoken out against the Labour government’s decision to cut universal winter fuel payments for pensioners. She warned that this move could leave many older people struggling to stay warm during the colder months.

The 84-year-old described the government’s treatment of retirees as “shocking” and shared concerns that some pensioners are now forced to stay in bed just to keep warm. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to remove the payment, which was worth up to £300, affects around 10 million pensioners and is aimed at saving £1.4 billion.

Ms. Hunniford said, “I think it’s shocking what they’ve done to pensioners, especially during the cold and damp weather we’ve been having. I don’t need the fuel allowance, and many people around me don’t either, but there are so many who do. It feels like a harsh decision, especially at the start of the Labour party’s time in power.”

She highlighted the struggles some pensioners face, saying, “I’ve heard of people who go to day centres just to stay warm or others who stay in bed longer because it’s the only way they can keep warm. It’s terrible that they have to live like this. I can’t help but feel there must have been other ways to save that money.”

Ms. Hunniford is also an ambassador for the Royal Osteoporosis Society and supports its Better Bones campaign, which calls for routine testing for osteoporosis across the country.

Her concerns were echoed by Morgan Vine from Independent Age, who said, “Our helpline receives calls every day from older people on low incomes who missed out on the winter fuel payment this year. Some are just above the threshold for pension credit, while others missed the deadline to apply. Many are now cutting back on heating or not turning it on at all, which is harmful to their physical and mental health.”

He urged the government to take action, saying, “Older people on low incomes cannot face another winter living in cold, damp homes. We’re calling on the UK Government to urgently review the eligibility for the winter fuel payment and expand it beyond just those receiving pension credit.”

Caroline Abrahams of Age UK added that the charity’s research found “more than one million people aged 66 and over have been skipping meals to save money.” She explained, “There are still around 750,000 pensioners who are entitled to pension credit but aren’t receiving it, and over a million more who are under severe financial pressure but just above the eligibility line.”

The decision to cut winter fuel payments has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for the government to reconsider and provide better support for vulnerable pensioners.