Latest news with #WinterFuelPayment
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Welfare row shows how Keir Starmer is Labour's Liz Truss
KEIR Starmer has been hanging about with Donald Trump too much. While the US president can get away with disregarding his legislature, Starmer cannot. As the leader of a parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister does not have the luxury of signing executive orders and changing government policy with a stroke of his pen. Starmer is frequently compared – by the kind of nerds that do this stuff for fun – to Rishi Sunak. Both men are charisma vacuums, neither's vibes align with the messages they send out, both come across like dull technocrats infected with more than a little entitlement. But is Starmer actually more like Liz Truss? I think so. Starmer is less obviously mad than his predecessor-but-one. However, they share a key defining detail: both would happily dispense with democracy if given the chance. It's a little bit too much like hard work. The Prime Minister has tried to compromise with his welfare cuts rebels – after more than 100 Starmerbots suddenly found a spine this week and threatened to kill his benefits reforms. The minor concessions they've reportedly extracted result in a strange offer where existing Personal Independence Payment (Pip) claimants get to keep their current rate of support, while new claimants will be subjected to tougher qualifying tests. Among other issues, it undermines the Government's insistence that this is about getting people off benefits. Who would now ever risk coming off Pip faced with the threat of it becoming much harder to qualify if they reapply? READ MORE: Labour's 'minor' climbdown will leave benefits system 'woefully inadequate' Truss's greatest failure as prime minister, beyond her truly batty policy platform, was her inability to bring her party with her. In the end, they came for her. Starmer may have avoided total humiliation in this week's welfare debacle, if the rebels decide his terms are acceptable. But this fight was the result of his complete lack of political instincts. It reeked of a man who had grown used to people enquiring about height when he makes demands with regards jumping. Through the persecution of internal enemies and aided by the desperate belief that Starmer and his consigliere/puppet master (delete as you see fit), Morgan McSweeney (below), knew what they were doing, dissent became a foreign custom in the Labour Party. But, still smarting from the humiliation of defending the Winter Fuel Payment cut only for the Government to U-turn, MPs found their voices. Ministerial jobs and rewards for loyalty are few. Many MPs sit on majorities which must keep them awake at night. They resolved to take a stand; whether that was done entirely selflessly is up for debate. The Prime Minister has shown his MPs vanishingly little respect and it is in this that I have the most sympathy for him. No one understands better than I what a dismal prospect it is to spend your precious time on Earth talking to Labour MPs. But if that's the job, then you grow up and get on with it. Starmer's authoritarian instincts may prove more successful were he not so indecisive. But, like his mentor Trump, he picks a position, defends it with every fibre of his being, then discards it without a second thought. While he may have won the benefits battle, it has exposed rifts and a level of ill-feeling towards the PM among his own troops that suggest his woes are far from over. You can get the Worst of Westminster delivered straight to your email inbox for FREE every Friday at 6pm by clicking here.
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Waspi women call for 'hat-trick of U-turns' amid welfare climbdown
Labour have been forced into making a series of concessions on their welfare reform bill after more than 120 party MPs threatened to rebel against the Government in a vote next week. As part of the concessions, people who currently receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP), or the health element of Universal Credit, will continue to do so, but planned cuts to these payments will still hit future claimants. It comes after Labour announced a U-turn on cutting the Winter Fuel Payment, with the vast majority of pensioners in England and Wales now set to receive the benefit. READ MORE: Scotland reacts as Labour announce 'two-tier' benefits U-turn The Waspi campaign has now called on Labour to perform a third climbdown and deliver on recommendations from the Parliamentary Ombudsman by handing compensation to 1950s-born women affected by state pension age changes. Angela Madden, chair of Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi), said: 'Winter fuel and the PIP are but two of Labour's major political mistakes and betrayals. 'Compensation to Waspi women should now make for a hat trick of U-turns. 'The independent Ombudsman's report was clear in endorsing compensation for 1950s women. "Ministers should stop wasting taxpayers' money fighting us in court and agree to honour that recommendation.' In March last year, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman said women born in the 1950s should be compensated for the Department of Work and Pension's failure to properly communicate state pension age changes. READ MORE: Keir Starmer suggests he didn't check 'island of strangers' speech But in December Labour minister Liz Kendall announced they would not be giving women compensation. Waspi is now seeking a judicial review of the UK Government's decision. Earlier this week, campaigners hailed a "major" breakthrough in their fight against the UK Government after judges approved a limit on the campaign's liability for DWP legal fees. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has agreed to a costs capping order after what Waspi described as "months of resistance". The Waspi group said it would have faced a real risk "of financial ruin" had this order not been agreed. Without the costs cap, Waspi would be liable for paying the UK Government's legal fees – which would be in the hundreds of thousands – should it lose its case. Earlier this month, senior High Court judge Mr Justice Swift, ruled that the case is 'arguable' and 'ought to be considered at a final hearing', meaning ministers could be ordered to re-think their position on compensation if Waspi wins in court.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Can Keir Starmer do anything that Anas Sarwar won't support?
When the quite literally loyal-to-a-fault Tory minister Nadine Dorries was asked that question about her prime minister Boris Johnson in 2022, she said: 'If he went out and kicked a dog, I would probably withdraw my support for him.' Dorries was known as one of Johnson's most fierce allies, defending him even after his ignominious downfall finally played out following an exodus of ministers from his UK government. In Sarwar, it seems Starmer has found a similar ally – right down to the photos which beg the question: 'Are they really looking at him like that?' Nadine Dorries looks at Boris Johnson (left), and Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer pose for pictures at the 2024 Labour conference (Image: PA) But the extreme loyalty shown to Starmer by his Scottish deputy is becoming more and more of a rarity within the Labour Party. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham – who Sarwar often cites as an example to be followed – London mayor Sadiq Khan, Treasury committee chair Meg Hillier, Scottish Affairs committee chair Patricia Ferguson, former transport secretary Louise Haigh. This is far from an exhaustive list of the senior Labour figures who have spoken against Starmer's plans to cut £5bn from disability benefits. Sarwar's name is predictably absent. READ MORE: New poll shows how every Scottish seat could vote – see your area While the Scottish Labour group leader shamelessly toes whatever line Starmer cares to draw, a direct comparison to the Scottish Welsh leader shows just how obsequious he is. Eluned Morgan, now the First Minister of Wales – a mirror of the role Sarwar so covets, has been far from a poodle on Downing Street's lead. In fact, the Welsh leader has made a virtue of putting 'clear red water' between herself and Starmer. While Sarwar described the stunningly unpopular cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment as an 'opportunity' for Scotland, Morgan called for a UK Government 'rethink'. Welsh First Minister Eluned MorganWhere Sarwar has U-turned on his opposition to the Tories' devolution-busting Internal Market Act, Morgan has openly called for more devolved powers – specifically around the Crown Estate. 'We saw them take our coal, we saw them take our water. We will not let them take our wind, not this time, not on my watch," she said last month. Can you imagine those words from Sarwar's mouth? And where Sarwar has backed the planned £5 billion disability cuts to the hilt – on Wednesday proudly declaring himself "consistent" on the issue – Morgan has joined the ranks of senior Labour figures to oppose them. But then, Morgan already has a life seat in the House of Lords – and the fancy title that comes with it. The not-yet-baron Sarwar surely doesn't want to jeopardise his chances of joining those ermine-robed crowds. But, ironically, if Sarwar fails to be his own person, of speak with from his own convictions, then he will have failed to earn any such accolade.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Scottish Government confirms Winter Heating Payments for pensioners
The Scottish government has confirmed that it will provide Pension Age Winter Heating Payments to pensioner households from 2025/26 onwards, providing a vital lifeline to older and disabled people facing rising energy costs. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pensioners already receiving qualifying benefits such as Pension Credit will receive the payment. The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is the Scottish Government's new scheme, which will replace the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners from 2025/26. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is different from the Winter Heating Payment, a separate benefit that replaced the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland and provides automatic support to low-income households during the winter months. Older lady looking out the window Amelia from the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) comments: 'The government's continuation of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment highlights how vital this support is for older people, especially those with mobility issues or health conditions. 'Without this support, many older people may feel forced to stay at home in cold conditions, risking their physical and mental health. The emergence of warm hubs in libraries, churches, and community centres is a welcome step towards tackling social isolation. However, these hubs are no substitute for ensuring that older people can afford to heat their own homes. 'With the cost of living and energy prices rising, the payment provides more than just financial relief; it offers peace of mind, independence, and the ability to stay connected to their communities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Older people are more likely to live alone and face mobility challenges, so maintaining warm, safe, and connected environments is vital. The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment should be seen as an essential lifeline for vulnerable groups not only to manage bills but to safeguard health and well-being during the colder months. 'The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment gives people a sense of independence and peace of mind during the bitter winter months when they may not venture out as much. Without this payment, some older people may just sit in a chair with a blanket without putting the heating on all day, which is truly shocking. Amelia from BMAS concludes, 'It is important that there is a joined-up approach to caring for our older population. The introduction of 'warm hubs' in libraries, churches and community-run coffee shops is a positive step forward in helping people feel connected within their communities and removing those barriers.' How to Apply for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment Support Automatic Payment for Benefit Recipients Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The good news is that the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is sent out through an automatic payment alongside other payments such as the state pension and other benefits such as Pension Credit. Find Your Nearest Warm Hub 'If you or your loved one find yourself in a cold home this coming winter there are many small businesses and council-run initiatives in the community that offer support, and most importantly a warm place to recuperate and have a cup of tea. You can find a list of them on the Warm Hubs website and your local council website.
New Statesman
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Statesman
Is the government about to drop Liz Kendall's welfare reform bill?
Photo byKeir Starmer is about to face the biggest rebellion of his tenure. On Tuesday (24 June), more than 100 MPs put their name to an amendment which would engineer the opportunity for the government's controversial welfare reforms to be rejected in full. First announced by the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, earlier this year, the welfare reform bill includes proposals to make it harder for disabled people with less severe conditions to claim personal independence payment (Pip). In the weeks and months since, several Labour MPs have privately voiced their concern over the cuts (as one put it to me, they feel that the reforms 'aren't very Labour'). For many on the backbenches, the first time they heard about the government's plans was during Kendall's Commons announcement; to many, the perceived brutality of the cuts came as a surprise. Now 108 of them have gone public. The amendment, which has been brought by Meg Hillier, was published this morning. It calls for 'the reform of the social security system' before listing all of the reasons why the welfare reform bill must be rejected by MPs. It details the number of people the cuts are expected to push into relative poverty and describes an inadequate impact assessment on the consequences the cuts will have on the job market and people's health. If it is selected by Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons Speaker, and a majority of MPs vote to pass it through, Kendall's bill will be stopped from making its way through Parliament and becoming law. Among the rebels are some usual suspects; Clive Lewis, Ian Byrne, Stella Creasy and Nadia Whittome have all put their names to Hillier's amendment. The sacked former Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh has also backed it, alongside Vicky Foxcroft, a former government whip who resigned last week in protest of the proposed disability cuts. The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, refused to rule out punishment for the Labour MPs who decide to vote against the government's bill while standing in for Starmer at PMQs last week. It is less than a year since the government removed the whip from seven MPs (including Byrne) for voting against the Winter Fuel Payment. John McDonnell, Apsana Begum and Zarah Sultana – who were part of the seven – have still yet to get the whip back (all three MPs have put their names to Hillier's amendment). Most interestingly, however, are the members of the new intake who have come forward in opposition to the reforms. Brian Leishman, the MP for Grangemouth and Alloa, who was elected last year, said: 'I joined the Labour party because I believe in a socially just society… these welfare reforms are the complete opposite of that'. Leishman, who is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group, explained that these reforms are the equivalent of a return to austerity. 'We've seen a country over the last 14 years that has been ravaged by austerity' he said, 'people are still getting poorer. We have to do something different now.' Leishman has been a vocal critic of the welfare cuts since their announcement; but his decision not to vote for them runs deeper than simply opposition to the policy. In July 2024, as a fresh-faced MP, Leishman voted for the Winter Fuel Payment cut, a decision he deeply regrets ('I was in tears after the vote', he told me). Dealing with the aftermath of that decision, and following the government's subsequent U-turn, Leishman explained he doesn't want to find himself in that position again; forced to vote against his conscience. It is a sentiment that many of his fellow MPs share. 'It's certainly not my personal politics,' Leishman said of the cuts, 'and I was speaking with parliamentary colleagues in the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) and there's a lot of people that feel the exact same as me.' Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe The government is spooked by such a large mobilisation of back-bench MPs. The 108 who have put their names to Hillier's amendment account for just over a quarter of the party's MPs. And that's doesn't account for the MPs who may still yet vote for it. The number of Labour signatures on the amendment would be sufficient to defeat the government, so long as opposition parties also vote against the reforms (as they are expected to do). Rumours have begun to swirl that the government may drop Kendall's welfare reforms altogether; yet another U-turn after a month of successive policy losses (on the Winter Fuel Payment, the two-child benefit cap, the grooming gangs inquiry). Equally, if a vote on the bill does go ahead, the government will likely suffer through a heavy and embarrassing rebellion, which could lead to an eventual loss. Whatever happens, it wasn't hard to see this coming. MPs have been publicly voicing their concern over these changes ever since they were introduced by Kendall in March. So perhaps this is a warning to Starmer – listening to Labour backbenchers is essential, even the new intake won't back the government to the hilt anymore. [See more: The British left will not follow Trump into war] Related
