Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a decision aimed at addressing a reported £22 billion shortfall in public finances, which Labour claims was concealed during the previous Conservative government's tenure.

As part of this effort, the Labour government plans to limit the Winter Fuel Payment to only those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested support, which will significantly affect millions of older people.

Estimates indicate that the number of pensioners eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment will plummet from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million due to this policy change.

This withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment comes at a time when pensioners are facing rising energy costs, with average bills expected to increase by £150 annually.

Critics, including Age UK, warn that many vulnerable pensioners will struggle to afford heating this winter, potentially impacting their health and well-being.

Age UK estimates that at least 2 million pensioners will be significantly impacted by the cuts, particularly those with low incomes or high energy needs.

Experts have highlighted that many older individuals who are not on Pension Credit but still face high energy costs will be adversely affected by the means-testing policy.

Government representatives assert their commitment to pensioners, emphasizing the importance of targeting support to those most in need amid challenging economic conditions.

Baroness Ros Altmann argues that preventing pensioners from heating their homes could lead to increased health risks and higher costs for the NHS if they require medical attention.

Labour's decision has sparked calls for transparency, with Shadow Chief Secretary Laura Trott urging the publication of an internal impact assessment.

Support for reversing the decision to cut the £300 Winter Fuel Payment has been voiced by Baroness Ros Altmann, who backs the Daily Express campaign.