Keir Starmer faces backlash for ‘disrespecting’ pensioners over winter fuel petition rejection

Keir Starmer is facing criticism for not responding to a petition asking for winter fuel payments to be restored for all pensioners.

A group called Silver Voices, along with the Daily Express, collected nearly 150,000 signatures from people who want to make sure pensioners are supported during the colder months. Two weeks ago, they delivered this petition to 10 Downing Street, but they haven’t received any response yet.

Dennis Reed, the director of Silver Voices, expressed disappointment in the Prime Minister’s lack of response. He highlighted that many military veterans who served their country are now struggling to afford heating due to these payment cuts.

Reed pointed out that as the Prime Minister stands in silence for Remembrance Day, these veterans might feel let down by the government’s actions. He emphasized that older people, especially those who have served, deserve respect and should not have to choose between staying warm and other basic needs.

Reed also urged the government to bring in extra support for energy costs before the winter weather becomes too harsh. He is particularly worried about three million pensioners who just miss the cut-off for pension credit.

These are elderly people who may not receive any benefits, yet they are not wealthy either. This group includes many retired servicemen and women, who are now struggling to manage on limited incomes. Reed argued that the government should not leave them to fend for themselves as temperatures drop.

The recent decision by the Labour Government has sparked a lot of anger. Previously, all pensioners could receive a winter fuel allowance of up to £300, but now only those on pension credit will qualify.

This change was included in the latest Budget, and it has drawn criticism from charities, unions, and opposition parties, who all argue that it will leave vulnerable elderly people at risk during winter.

The petition from Silver Voices also called for other benefits for pensioners, like free bus passes and free prescriptions, to stay available for the rest of the government’s term. Another request in the petition was for the government to ensure that people who rely only on a basic state pension are not forced to start paying income tax in the future.

At the petition delivery, Conservative shadow chancellor Mel Stride and Reform leader Nigel Farage showed their support for reversing these cuts. Stride said it was disappointing that the government had not responded to this petition, given its importance. He noted that many older people across the country now face the tough choice between “heating and eating” as the weather gets colder.

During the last Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves went ahead with the decision to limit winter fuel payments despite many people urging her to reconsider. The Labour Government explained that this measure was necessary to address a £22 billion shortfall in public finances, which they attribute to financial issues left by the previous government.

This policy change, which took effect as energy prices increased, is expected to save around £1.5 billion per year, though it will affect about 10 million elderly people who now won’t get these winter payments.

Many campaigners are particularly concerned about pensioners who are just above the pension credit limit because they won’t qualify for winter fuel help but are still struggling financially. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of pensioners who are eligible for pension credit do not claim it, which means they’ll miss out on the winter fuel support.

The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), which reviews government welfare policies, has raised several concerns about this policy. The committee suggested that simply encouraging pension credit take-up may not be enough to protect vulnerable pensioners from falling into poverty.

There are additional worries about the strain this policy could put on the healthcare system. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition, an advocacy group, estimated that the change could cost the NHS an extra £169 million each year because of increased health risks faced by elderly people who can’t afford to stay warm.

Recent surveys also showed that around 29% of pensioners expected to lose the winter allowance might cut back on essentials like food, and two-thirds said they would reduce their heating to save money.

In response to these criticisms, a government spokesperson stated that they are committed to supporting pensioners. They mentioned that many pensioners are set to see an increase in their state pensions this term, as part of the “triple lock” commitment.

They also noted that pensioners who qualify for pension credit and meet the winter fuel payment criteria will still receive their payments.

The government is adding more staff to process an expected rise in pension credit claims, which could help more people access support.

Over a million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel allowance, and additional measures like the £150 warm home discount and the Household Support Fund will help with energy bills and other essential costs during the winter months.