'Is this Labour's first big mistake?' | James O'Brien on LBC

With winter fuel payments scrapped for ten million pensioners as part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' cuts to fill a "black hole" in public finances, James O'Brien asks:

'Does this mark the first big misstep of Keir Starmer's government?'

Rachel Reeves said: "I'm making the difficult decision that those not in receipt of pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits will no longer receive the winter fuel payment from this year onwards.

"The Government will continue to provide winter fuel payments worth £200 for households receiving a pension credit of £300 to households in receipt of pension credit with someone over the age of 80.

"Let me be clear, this is not a decision I wanted to make, nor is it the one that I expected to make, but these are the necessary and urgent decisions that I must make."

00:53 - James O'Brien believes 'the government have got this wrong'.
08:15 - Caller Lesley shares her mother Isabel's situation, explaining that she is 'pennies over the threshold'.

#jamesobrien #labour #ukpolitics #pension #LBC

LBC is the home of live debate around news and current affairs in the UK.

[brendaseward-kq]

If there is short of money MPs need to stop using tax payers money to heat their homes they get 98, 000 pounds a year pay WHY DO THEY NEED IT

[paulbird]

As a pensioner who has just lost winter fuel payment, and who fully supported this government being elected. What really upset me was that after just a week Racheal Reeves took it on herself to cancel this payment, she didnt even wait to see what these price rises would be. This policy was decided on, before even one ballot was cast.

[Skylark_Jones]

Money is only tight when the govt wants to withhold money from the public; it's never right when it's for the rich.

[bethanduke]

I just want the prices set back to normal and the companies making stupidly big profits put straight and limited to what they can make us pay the fat cats,

[roystonellis]

The UK has one of the smallest pension in Europe. Where’s all the money gone?

[gearoftones]

Well you backed him, James. Starmer is your darling despite breaking every single pledge but you still backed him and now you're surprised he's breaking more?

[spangoz]

As a card carrying member of the Labour party, I was shocked by this.
Goes against all the party stands for, if revenue is needed to be raised go after the rich not the poor.

[holymoly]

I loose fuel allowance Even with it last winter I wore winter clothing in my flat I’m 72 and I’m over the ceiling with income I’m dreading this winter coming I’ve also got worsening health issues I’m a lifelong Labour Party member I’m gutted
Why punish the loyal people who voted labour back in power
As an aside What about Dido Harding £37billion
Along with Lady Moan £280million etc etc Clawing that back would make a start in making savings in the countries deficits

[Charlieb]

The first mistake was people voting for them.

[christinavuyk]

Remember when ‘Warm banks’ used to be called ‘Libraries’ 🤔🤨

[SB-elox]

If money is so tight, increase the tax for the billionaires.

[JohnCatto]

MPs get their entire fuel bill paid, all we want is a little help to pay the bills. People should be able to opt out if they feel they don't need the payment.

[leewooler]

If your £5 over the threshold then pay them £5 less on their winter payment don’t deny them any payment at all

[kevinberrett]

A couple with 2 children can earn £120000 and receive over£40 a week in child benefits, a pensioner whose income is above £215 a week loses the winter fuel benefit, something not right there😮😮😮😮

[gillian]

Take the energy allowance away for MP's second houses, Why should they receive this benifit when there on a minimum of £85000 a year + a lot more for minister. Not to mention the 2nd & 3rd jobs MP's have, 12 million pensioners will have there revenge on Starmer & Labour. Wait & see.

[davidtomkins]

The truth is energy is overpriced as a direct result of government incompetence

[paulinedownie]

The level is set to low. I get the basic pension of £168 per week, my small works pension takes me above the level for pension credit or any other help. I worked and paid all dues the government took out my weekly wage, plus I paid into my works pension scheme. I'm 78 years old suffer ill health and absolutely disgusted that we are being treated like this by a government that is supposed to represent/treat every British citizen equally. Shame on this Labour government, every Labour MP in Westminster, for allowing this to happen. Are they all to scared to speak out or do they agree with this, that's a question I'd really like publicly answered.

[brianferguson]

I am a pensioner! I have two work related pensions and receive nearly twice the average wage each year. I have no mortgage so, why should I get free public transport and a heating allowance when some young "working" people don't have enough to feed their children or pay rent. I have greedy friends who get new glasses each year just because they are free.

[paulneedham]

Aa a Labour voter. I an honestly disappointed and disgusted with Labour. If they don't sort this out I don't think I could support them again. But will never vote Conservative.

[TonyAcaster]

I’m a pensioner and if I’m really honest, I don’t need that extra £300, but maybe the threshold for pension credits should be raised.