Winter Fuel cut: “So many people will suffer”, say Labour voters

“Mean”, “wrong”, ”harsh”, “bitter” and “abysmal”. That’s how people across the political spectrum – including those who voted Labour in July – have described the Government’s move to end the universal winter fuel allowance for pensioners. 

Conducted for 38 Degrees in the hours immediately after Tuesday’s parliamentary vote, the rapid response voter panel study, reported on exclusively by i News, revealed voters’ fears that the measure “will lead to deaths”. 

We commissioned this study, from leading pollsters J.L.Partners, to find out in detail how voters, the people who put this Government into power just two months ago, were responding to the controversial policy. It showed that people across the country, like the 355,000 plus people who’ve signed our petition, don’t think pensioners should be the ones to pay the price to rescue the nation’s finances, especially with energy bills about to increase again, and see this as a move that punishes pensioners instead of finding money from those more able to pay. 

But, it reveals it is not too late for the Government to show the public they’re committed to helping those suffering the most from the ongoing energy crisis. We asked voters for their views on the introduction of a social tariff for energy, a move ministers are rumoured to be considering. This would ensure the most vulnerable people, including pensioners, pay less for the energy they desperately need – and the public say it could help soften the blow this cut will cause.

Scarlett Maguire, Director, J.L. Partners said:  “The majority of the public believe this policy is too heavy handed, that the move is unfair and punitively targets some of the most vulnerable in society, and it has provoked an emotional response from many. Even if there is support for cuts in principle, most feel that there ‘must be a better way’ to balance the books than cutting the winter fuel payment.” 

“There is a perception that the economy is in a poor state, and that ‘cuts have to start somewhere,’ however there is a desire for more optimism from the government, and voters of all ages and across the political spectrum are worried that the move will lead to many pensioners suffering.” 

Here’s what people had to say:

Asked for their view on the decision to cut Winter Fuel Payment for most pensioners:

• “It’s abysmal and will affect many people I know who are already struggling with increasing fuel costs. It will lead to deaths” (Male, ‘Retired accountant’, 76, voted Liberal Democrat)
• “Scandalous and mean and not going to save much” (Male, ‘Retired’, 70, voted Labour)
• “I agree the wealthiest pensioners probably don’t need it but they are missing out a large chunk of middle earners who do still need it so I don’t agree with how it’s worked out.” (Female, ‘Secretary’, 39, voted Conservative)

Asked how this move affects their view of Keir Starmer and the new Labour Government:

• “Never ever will I vote for them again roll on 5 years” (Male, ‘Engineering’, 67, voted Labour)
• “It enhances my view that they will try to be pragmatic and get things done.” (Male, ‘I work as an administrator in an office.’, 48, voted Liberal Democrat)
• “[I] think he is more for the haves of society and definitely not for haven’ts” (Female, ‘Do not work’, 70, voted Labour)

Asked for their view of the claim that the move is needed to fill a “£22bn black hole”:

• “I think they should work the problem instead of blaming previous administration” (Male, ‘Social Worker’, 29, voted Labour)
• “It’s the reality but there can still be choices made that can provide hope and optimism” (Male, ‘Accountant’, 35, voted Labour)
• “I think the previous government should be held accountable” (Male, ‘Software manager’, 37, voted Labour)

Asked whether the introduction of a rumoured ‘social tariff’ for energy bills would change their view of the cut: 

• “If a social energy tariff were introduced, it might help offset the impact of the Winter Fuel Payments cut for those on low incomes or with higher energy needs” (Female, ‘Supervisory’, 32, voted Labour)
• “It still leaves millions of elderly at risk” (Female, ‘Senior IT manager’, 34, voted Labour)
• “It would lessen the impact of the WFP cut and would be welcome” (Female, ‘Town planner’, 51, voted Liberal Democrat)

Add your name to our petition calling for Winter Fuel Payments to be returned to millions of struggling pensioners here.

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The JL Partners/38 Degrees Rapid Response Voter Panel was used to ask a sample of 105 adults across a sample of voters in Geat Britain online to share their instantaneous reaction to breaking news. In an update on traditional focus groups, JL Partners ask people to explain their views and dig underneath the surface of support or opposition. The sample is collected using web-intercept polling in accordance with MRS and BPC guidelines and data tables are available shortly after publication.

Fieldwork completed: 10/09/24

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Hannah Graham, hannah.g@38degrees.org.uk

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