BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt criticised the government for failing to provide an impact assessment on the recent cuts to the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. The cuts, which were voted through the Commons despite cross-party opposition, restrict the allowance to only those on pension credit.
Labour argues the change is necessary to address a “£22bn black hole” in public finances inherited from the Conservatives. However, concerns persist about the impact on the 10 million pensioners who will miss out on the payment, worth up to £300 this winter.
Stayt pressed Health Secretary Wes Streeting on the absence of an impact report during a live interview, asking why the public and media had not been given access to any assessment of the health consequences.
Streeting denied that such a report existed, stating: “There’s no such report and there’s no such report on my desk.” He added that Chancellor Rachel Reeves would publish the impact of all her fiscal decisions in the upcoming Budget.
Stayt was undeterred, reiterating: “So, you’ve brought in this policy removing the winter fuel allowance for many, and you will not assess whether that could harm people’s health?”
Streeting deflected by highlighting Labour’s commitment to the pensions triple lock, which ensures state pensions rise in line with inflation, earnings, or by 2.5%, whichever is higher. Labour claims this policy will result in a £460 increase in state pensions next year, offsetting the loss of the winter fuel payment.
Despite Streeting’s reassurances, Stayt continued to challenge him: “With the greatest respect, there was no review. You didn’t do a health review impact into that decision. That did not happen.”
Streeting insisted that pensioners would still be better off this winter, but the interview underscored growing concerns over the potential health risks for vulnerable elderly people facing higher energy costs without the winter fuel support.
Leader of the Opposition Rishi Sunak also called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to publish an impact assessment during PMQs. Downing Street, however, refused to confirm whether any such assessment had been conducted.
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