Winter fuel payments scrapped for millions

Around 10 million pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments, under new plans announced by the chancellor.

Rachel Reeves said those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will not receive the payments from this year onwards.

Ms Reeves told Parliament she had to make “necessary and urgent decisions” because of “unfunded” and “undisclosed” overspends made by the previous government. Several major infrastructure projects have also been axed.

The Conservatives say Labour’s claims are a “con”, claiming it was transparent about public finances while in power.

Meanwhile, public sector pay recommendations have been accepted in full, meaning 5.5% rises for NHS workers and teachers, 6% for the armed forces, 5% for the prison service, and 4.75% for the police.

In addition, junior doctors have been offered a 22% pay rise over two years.

The pay deals will cost an additional £9.4bn, with two-thirds of this funded by central government, with a third expected to be found from savings within departments.

However, most of Ms Reeves’ announcement was focused on cuts because of what she said was a “£22bn hole in the public finances”.