Labour's decision to slash winter fuel payments for pensioners has drawn sharp criticism from Angela Madden of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) group. The move, aimed at means-testing the £300 benefit, is set to impact millions of elderly Britons, with analysis suggesting that 1.6 million pensioners living below the poverty line could lose this vital support.
Madden expressed her disappointment to GB News, stating, "It's not something we would have expected from the party of social justice, I don't think."
The policy shift has sparked concerns about the welfare of vulnerable pensioners as they face rising energy costs this winter.
Analysis by consultancy firm LCP, based on Department for Work and Pensions figures, reveals the stark reality of Labour's policy. Approximately five out of six pensioners living below the poverty line are set to lose their winter fuel payments.
Sir Steve Webb of LCP warned, "We're talking about a group of pensioners who are on the breadline, their standard of living is well below that of most people in the country."
For these vulnerable individuals, the loss of £200 to £300 is significant, potentially equivalent to two weeks' pension. The impact could force pensioners to heat fewer rooms, stay indoors more, and cut back on socialising.
Angela Madden hits out at the prime minister
PA / GB NEWS
Angela Madden highlighted the potential influence of pensioners and unions in response to Labour's decision. She told GB News:
"I think we might seem like an easy target to them because we haven't got the power of train drivers or other groups of workers who can withdraw their labour if they're not happy about something."
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However, Madden emphasised that pensioners do have influence, noting that many WASPI advocates are also union members.
She added, "I think Unite Union has come out and said that they're very unhappy with what the government seem to be doing at the moment."
Sir Keir Starmer speaks out on 'tough decision' to cut Winter Fuel AllowancePOOL
Caroline Aston joined Ben Leo on GB News
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Madden thinks this suggests growing opposition to the policy from both pensioner groups and trade unions.
Experts have proposed alternative approaches to targeting winter fuel payments. Sir Steve Webb suggested basing eligibility on property value, which could protect most poorer pensioners whilst reducing government expenditure.
Baroness Ros Altmann, a pension expert, criticised the current approach as a "sledgehammer", warning of potential health risks for pensioners unprepared for the cut.
The Government maintains that means-testing is necessary to address a £22bn "black hole" left by the previous administration. However, they face growing pressure to reconsider their strategy.
As the debate continues, the welfare of Britain's most vulnerable pensioners hangs in the balance, with many fearing a difficult winter ahead.