The prime minister has revealed that the government did not conduct an impact assessment before withdrawing winter fuel support for millions of pensioners in England and Wales. Sir Keir Starmer has also stated that he has not seen any private analysis about potential consequences in relation to removing payments from elderly people who do not get pension credit. His comments followed calls from the Conservatives to release any available impact assessments.
Downing Street, however, indicated that the decision followed established rules. The procedure they chose enables the government to make the change without needing to carry out an impact assessment if the legislation’s cost is below £10m. Consequently, a Downing Street spokesman underscored the government’s decision to adhere carefully to relevant rules.
The prime minister added that no legally essential official assessment prior to bringing in the plan was organised. He confirmed that, despite media reports and rumours, the document does not exist. Speaking to reporters during a flight to the US, Sir Keir noted he knows journalists think there is a report given to him under the table. But, the prime minister proclaimed that one does not exist.
According to the House of Commons Library analysis, approximately 10.8 million pensioners in England and Wales had received winter fuel payments last year, and this winter only approximately 1.5 million would receive the payment. Sir Keir believes that it is necessary to withdraw the £300 winter fuel payments to stabilise the economy and that the government is introducing “mitigations” to alleviate any negative outcomes. The government is encouraging pensioners to verify how eligible they are for pension credit and apply to ensure that they continue to receive winter fuel payments
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