Starmer says he 'won't be reckless with public money' ahead of vote on winter fuel payment cut

Keir Starmer has defended “tough decisions” on public spending as MPs prepare to vote on plans to scrap the winter fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners.

The prime minister told the Trade Union Congress that he would “not be reckless with public money” as he sizes up backbench and union dissent over the controversial cut. He also hinted that difficult decisions would include public sector pay.

“I do have to make clear, from a place of respect, that this government will not risk its mandate for economic stability, under any circumstances,” he told TUC delegates.

“And, with tough decisions on the horizon, pay will inevitably be shaped by that. I owe you that candour because – as was so painfully exposed by the last government – when you lose control of the economy it’s working people who pay the price.”

• Sadiq Khan: ‘Keir Starmer didn’t get into politics to take things from people who need them’
• Keir Starmer defends scrapping winter fuel payment for pensioners not on benefits

The speech comes just hours ahead of a parliamentary vote on plans to cut the winter fuel payment – worth between £250 and £600 annually – for all but the poorest older people (those on pension credit or other means tested benefits).

Very few Labour MPs are expected to vote against the policy, though a number will likely abstain. Under mounting pressure, some 17 Labour MPs have signed a motion calling on the government to delay implementing the cut.

Campaigners have slammed it as “dangerous“, warning it will drive up destitution among older people.

Were winter fuel payment eligibility restricted in 2022/23 in the way the government is planning to this winter, an extra 100,000 pensioners would have been in poverty, Age UK research published today suggests.

This would push the total number to two million, increasing the pensioner poverty rate by one percentage point to 17%.

Yesterday, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused Labour of “picking the pocket of pensioners” and RMT boss Mick Lynch compared chancellor Rachel Reeves to the Grinch.

The government claims the policy will save around £1.5bn per year. Speaking last night, Reeves called on members of her party to support the government.

“It is the right thing to do, to target money at a time when finances are so stretched, at people who need them most,” she told a parliamentary Labour Party meeting .

Age UK has warned that the policy change could hit vulnerable people; just 36% of pensioners in poverty will receive the winter fuel payment if the cut goes through, because the rising state pension has meant fewer pensioners are eligible for pension credit.

According to an Ipsos poll released today, voters are split on the policy. Some 39% of Britons are in favour, and 42% opposed.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. Big Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.