The union Unite has issued a stark warning to the UK Government over its controversial decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, threatening to pursue a judicial review if the policy is not reversed.
The policy, initially announced in July and confirmed in the latest Budget, aims to address a £22 billion gap in the public finances. However, it has sparked widespread criticism, with Union Party General Secretary Sharon Graham describing it as a “draconian” measure that “targets the pockets of pensioners”.
As a result of the cuts, up to 10 million pensioners will lose winter fuel payments worth between £100 and £300. Only those who receive pension credit or other means-tested assistance will continue to receive benefits. Graham urged the government to reconsider, noting it was “not too late” to “do the right thing” and restore payments to all pensioners.
Unite’s legal team sent an introductory letter to the government on October 29, naming Works and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall as a proposed defendant. The letter says the government failed to comprehensively assess the policy’s impact on vulnerable groups, especially amid rising costs of living and cold weather risks. Although the government released a “limited equality analysis,” it acknowledged the lack of a comprehensive assessment.
Unite insists it is the government’s duty to consult the Social Security Advisory Committee and gather more evidence about the impact of the cuts, particularly on vulnerable and disabled people. With cold weather looming, the letter describes the situation as “urgent” for retirees who risk “separation” and are already cutting back on their basic expenses.
The Government responded by reaffirming its commitment to supporting pensioners through the triple lock, which will raise the state pension by up to £1,700 during this parliamentary term. He also highlighted other measures, including a discount on warm homes and increased Pension Credit claims.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the “difficult” decision, attributing it to financial pressures inherited from previous governments. In Scotland, a couple have also been granted permission to pursue a separate legal challenge against the British and Scottish governments over the removal of the benefit, underscoring widespread opposition to the policy.