UK Restores Winter Fuel Payments for Nine Million Pensioners

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reversed last year's decision to restrict winter fuel payments, reinstating them for all pensioners in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland with an income of £35,000 or less. This U-turn will benefit approximately nine million pensioners, providing up to £300 to those over 80 and £200 to others, addressing widespread criticism over the previous cuts that significantly reduced support. The reversal has been welcomed by charities and consumer advocates as a vital relief amid high energy bills, though concerns remain for low-income working-age households who continue to struggle. The payments, originally universal since their creation in 1997, had been means-tested after Labour took office, triggering backlash and a decline in Labour's support in some regions. Individual stories, such as that of veteran John Dockree, highlight the real-world impact of the policy change, as those just above the eligibility threshold previously faced severe hardship. Reeves justified the reinstatement by citing an improved economic position, emphasizing the government’s commitment to easing energy costs for vulnerable pensioners this winter.