The prime minister was asked by one of his own MPs what he was doing to protect the savings of older people who were struggling with the rising cost of living.
Speaking during prime minister’s questions, Sir Keir confirmed that he would reassess the policy, which has caused anger among Labour MPs and has been blamed for the party’s poor showing at this month’s local elections.
He told MPs: “I recognise that people are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis, including pensioners.
“As the economy improves, we want to make sure people feel those improvements in their days as their lives go forward.
“And that is why we want to ensure that as we go forward, more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payment.
“As you would expect, Mr Speaker, we would only make decisions we can afford. That is why we will look at that as part of our fiscal event.”
Labour MPs have been agitating for a change to the winter fuel policy, which slashed the number of pensioners eligible for the benefit – from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
