Starmer’s partial U-turn on support payments met with calls for full reinstatement amid fears older people could face another cold winter

PRIME MINISTER Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed a partial U-turn on the government’s controversial changes to Winter Fuel Payments—but the announcement has been criticised by campaigners and the Welsh Conservatives as insufficient and lacking in detail.

During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (May 21), Sir Keir hinted at a policy reversal, saying more pensioners could once again become eligible for the benefit this winter. His comments follow months of criticism after last year’s decision to restrict access to the Winter Fuel Payment, which removed automatic eligibility for millions of older people.

The benefit, long intended to help pensioners cover the cost of heating during the coldest months, is seen as vital in rural and colder areas of Wales, where fuel poverty is a growing concern. But campaigners and politicians say the Prime Minister’s remarks leave too many questions unanswered.

Age Cymru Chief Executive Victoria Lloyd welcomed the indication of a policy shift but warned that clarity and urgency are essential.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s comments and commitment to change,” she said. “However, the detail is needed so we can be confident that any policy change is going to support those older people that we know are struggling without this vital payment.”

Ms Lloyd said Age Cymru had seen the real-world consequences of last year’s changes: pensioners too afraid to heat their homes, resulting in misery and serious health risks.

“Means-testing Winter Fuel Payments in the way the UK Government announced last summer resulted in many pensioners on low incomes missing out on money they simply couldn’t afford to lose,” she added.

The charity is particularly concerned about older people who are not claiming Pension Credit despite being eligible, those whose incomes place them just above the threshold, and individuals with health conditions that make cold homes especially dangerous.

“We will judge the success of any new policy proposals by the extent to which they help vulnerable older people and those on low and modest incomes to heat their homes adequately next winter,” Ms Lloyd said. “Winter is only six months away—there is no time to waste.”

The announcement has also drawn criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, who described the Prime Minister’s statement as “too little, too late.”

Samuel Kurtz MS, Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire (Pictured), said: “Supporting our pensioners through the coldest months of the year should never have been in question. While today’s words from the PM are a step in the right direction, it simply doesn’t go far enough—we need a full U-turn to restore confidence and ensure no pensioner is left behind.”

Mr Kurtz reiterated the Welsh Conservatives’ pledge to introduce a dedicated Welsh Winter Fuel Payment if elected to government in Cardiff Bay. He said a devolved approach could deliver more targeted support for communities in Wales, where rural areas often face higher heating costs due to poor insulation and off-grid fuel reliance.

“Despite today’s announcement, the job is not done. We’ll keep up the pressure until a fair and comprehensive system is in place,” he added.

The Herald understands that further clarification on the scope and delivery of the Prime Minister’s revised Winter Fuel Payment policy is expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Age Cymru has called for the introduction of a social energy tariff as a longer-term solution—but warned that immediate financial support is needed to prevent another crisis for older people this winter.