UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled a U-turn on upcoming winter fuel payment cuts by ensuring more pensioners are approved. Figures revealed inflation rose to 3.5% in April.

The prime minister was asked by one of his MPs what he was doing to protect the savings of older people who were struggling with the rising cost of living.

During the Prime Minister's questions, Starmer confirmed he would reassess the policy, which resulted in criticism from the Labour MPs and has been blamed for the party's lack of representation at this month's local elections.

Starmer told MPs that he fully recognizes the living crisis, adding that many pensioners are eligible for the winter fuel payment. 

While it appears a full reversal will not be applied, the Treasury could raise the threshold at which pensioners can qualify for winter payments, which is currently around £11,500.

The decision was made alongside the chancellor, and is most likely the budget in the autumn - and not next month's spending review.

Copied