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Snapshot 5:Tue, Sep 10, 2024 12:38:38 PM GMT last edited by TylerJ

UK: Labour Faces Union Backlash Over Fuel Subsidy Cut

StarmerUK: Labour Faces Union Backlash Over Fuel Subsidy Cut

Above: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer And then-Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves launch Labour's green investment plans at the Port of Southampton on June 17, 2024 in Southampton, United Kingdom. Image copyright: Carl Court/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • UK trade union Unite has called for a "U-turn" on plans to revoke the winter fuel payment for over 10M pensioners — which will be debated in the House of Commons on Tuesday — accusing the government of picking "the pocket of pensioners."UK trade union Unite has called for a "U-turn" on plans to revoke the winter fuel payment for over 10M pensioners — which will be voted on in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

  • The winter fuel payment was introduced in 1997 by Gordon Brown to help the elderly pay for heating during the coldest months. In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the previously universal payment would now be given only to the very poorest pensioners who receive pension credit.The winter fuel payment was introduced in 1997 by Gordon Brown to help the elderly pay for heating during winter. In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the previously universal payment would now be given only to those who receive pension credit.


The Spin

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