Unite is set to force a vote in Liverpool tomorrow to reverse the government's decision to scrap the winter fuel payment
Sir Keir Starmer is set for a confrontation with unions tomorrow, following accusations of "picking the pockets" of pensioners by eliminating the winter fuel payment. Unite, planning a protest at Labour's conference in Liverpool on Monday, intends to push for a vote to reverse the government's decision to abolish this vital support for up to 10 million pensioners.
Previously, winter fuel payments of up to £300 were available to everyone above state pension age. However, now only those receiving pension credit will be eligible for the payment. Matt Wrack, FBU General Secretary, lambasted the Government's decision to slash the winter fuel allowance, labelling it as "politically inept" and a move that could alienate the public by appearing disconnected.
Labour's own 2017 analysis, conducted when Sir Keir Starmer was part of the Shadow Cabinet, cautioned that eliminating the fuel allowance for ten million pensioners could result in an increase of 3,850 excess deaths that winter. Earlier this month, the Government secured a vote on the plan to limit the payments to only the poorest pensioners by 348 votes to 228 - a majority of 120.
and added, "Meanwhile pensioners are having their winter fuel payments taken, risking going cold. I trust conference votes to change this."
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