Starmer pronounces U-turn on iciness gasoline fee cuts

Sir Keir Starmer has introduced a U-turn on remaining yr’s debatable cuts to iciness gasoline bills.

More than 9 million pensioners misplaced out on bills value as much as £300 after eligibility for the pension top-up used to be tightened remaining yr.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir stated ministers would glance once more on the threshold to permit “more pensioners” to qualify once more.

He didn’t supply additional main points, including that the adjustments could be made at a long term Budget.

But he added the govenrment would most effective “make decisions we can afford”.

The iciness gasoline fee is a lump-sum quantity of £200 a yr for pensioners below 80, expanding to £300 for over-80s, paid in November or December.

Last yr, the federal government limited the bills to people who qualify for pension credit score and different income-related advantages, in a bid save £1.4bn.

The transfer didn’t characteristic in Labour’s common election manifesto, and supposed round 9 million pensioners now not qualify for the top-up.

Some Labour MPs have blamed the coverage for losses finally month’s native elections, the place Labour misplaced round two-thirds of the seats it used to be protecting.