Chancellor Cuts Winter Fuel Payments to 1.5 Million

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that approximately 10 million pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments as part of measures to address a £22 billion deficit in public finances. The cuts mean only those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive payments ranging from £100 to £300. This decision has been met with significant backlash from charities and campaign groups, who warn that it will leave millions of elderly people struggling to afford heating during the winter. Critics argue that the cuts disproportionately affect those just above the benefits threshold and call for a broader, more inclusive approach to financial assistance. The policy change will save an estimated £1.4 billion this year but has spurred fears of increased hypothermia-related deaths among the elderly. Scotland and Northern Ireland will decide independently whether to follow the new policy, with concerns about reduced funding from Westminster complicating their decisions.