GB News’ political reporter Adam Cherry has suggested that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may have misjudged public opinion on the decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners.
Speaking on GB News, Cherry said: “Rachel Reeves might have misread the room on this and thought that actually I could probably get away with this because cynically pensioners are a small part of our voting block, right?”
He added that the move could potentially become Labour’s “poll tax moment” if public discontent persists.
Cherry also highlighted the political risk, noting: “The worst thing in politics is hypocrisy. So this is what they’ll have to contend with.”
Adam Cherry said this could become a “poll tax moment”
GB News
The proposed cuts to Winter Fuel Payments are set to affect around 10 million pensioners, according to recent reports.
Independent Age, a charity supporting older people, found that 49 per cent of those losing the payment plan could only heat one room in their homes this winter.
The research also revealed that 44 per cent of people aged 65 and over believe the loss will negatively impact their physical health.
Additionally, 43 per cent of affected pensioners intend to wear outdoor clothes indoors to stay warm.
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Age UK estimates that 2.5 million pensioners who “badly need the money to stay warm this winter” will not receive it.
Pensioners and campaigners have been vocal in their opposition to the cuts.
A petition with over 500,000 signatures was delivered to Downing Street and the Treasury on October 16, challenging the Government’s plan to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment.
Robert Trewhella, a 68-year-old from Cornwall, shared his concerns: “I only have a small income and in the past, the extra money has helped keep my flat warm.”
Trewhella, who falls just £2 above the Pension Credit threshold, added: “I hope it doesn’t get too cold as I don’t think I will be able to turn the heating on often.”
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, warned that the cuts could lead to “unsafe behaviours” among older people, including limiting themselves to one room during winter.
Adam Cherry spoke to Martin on GB News
GB News
A Government spokesperson defended the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, stating: “This Government is committed to pensioners: protecting the triple lock, keeping energy bills low through our Warm Homes Plan, and cutting NHS waiting lists – bringing real stability to people’s lives.”
They added that “it is right that Winter Fuel Payments are targeted at those in most need” given the current state of public finances.
The spokesperson also emphasised the Government’s intention to work with local authorities to increase Pension Credit uptake, potentially allowing more pensioners to benefit from this year’s Winter Fuel Payments.
