State pensioners born before 1946 are set to receive a £100 increase in their winter fuel payments under a new policy expected from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, according to reports. The move would restore some of the cuts made in 2024 when the Labour government controversially axed winter fuel payments for the majority of pensioners, sparking widespread anger.
Burnham's Pledge to Boost Payments
Burnham, who is also the MP for Makerfield, has pledged to increase state pensioners’ payments by £100 when he takes office, with plans to implement the change as soon as this winter, reports the Daily Star. Younger state pensioners born after 1946 will receive £200, while older pensioners born before this date will get a total of £300, a £100 rise.
His policy adviser, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said the new PM will concentrate on “dealing with the cost of living in the short term.” Speaking on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Fahnbulleh suggested the economy was central to Burnham's policy plans. When asked how people's lives would be different if Burnham becomes prime minister, Fahnbulleh said: "Everyone recognises that people are under pressure, living standards have not risen and we have to grip that. And that means dealing with the cost of living in the short term to give people some respite."
Eligibility and Background
Brits are eligible for a winter fuel payment if they were born on or before June 26, 1960, and live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Those who require permission to enter the UK will not be eligible, as well as those who are unable to claim public funds, reports Birmingham Live.
The plans to cut the payments were initially introduced in 2024 and proved controversial, with Labour coming under pressure from unions to reverse the decision. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak revealed “real concerns” about the move and urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to help ensure the policy could be mitigated.
The Financial Times reports that Fahnbulleh has proposed immediate support for energy bills and transport. The new HMRC rule is expected to take effect this winter, providing a £100 boost for pensioners born before 1946.
