Labour minister admits winter fuel payments is still 'biggest thing on the doorstep'
The winter fuel payments row is still the "biggest thing on the doorstep", a Labour minister has admitted. Sir Keir Starmer faced fury for scrapping the allowance for most pensioners shortly after entering No 10.The backlash forced the PM to U-turn and restore the allowance to the majority of older people in June 2025. But almost a year on, the fiasco has still been dominating conversations on the doorsteps, Sir Chris Bryant said.The Labour minister told the BBC: "The biggest thing on the doorstep has undoubtedly been winter fuel... even in this campaign."Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July 2024 that previously universal winter fuel payments of up to £300 a year would be restricted to only those on pension credit.The policy sparked condemnation from opposition parties, campaigners, unions and even some Labour MPs with warnings older people would be forced to choose between heating and eating.In a climbdown almost a year later, Ms Reeves announced that the parents would be restored to pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 or less.Pollster Luke Tryl said winter fuel payments were also still being raised in focus groups.He added: "Hard to think of a bigger and so toxic policy/presentation own goal so early into a new Government."
