In a significant move, the major trade union Unite has announced its intention to pursue legal action against the UK government following the controversial decision to means-test winter fuel payments for pensioners. This decision, which affects around 10 million elderly citizens, means that only those receiving pension credit will qualify for the winter fuel allowance this year. The government justifies the cut as a necessary measure to address a £22 billion budget shortfall they claim was inherited from the previous administration.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham expressed outrage over the cuts, stating, “People do not understand, I do not understand how a Labour government has taken away the fuel allowance of millions of pensioners just as winter approaches.” She emphasized the profound impact this decision will have on vulnerable individuals and urged the government to reconsider. “Given the failure to rectify this in the budget, Unite has now commenced judicial review proceedings challenging the legality of the policy,” she added.
The union contends that the government has failed in its legal duties by not consulting the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) regarding these cuts. The government has cited the urgency of the matter as a reason for bypassing this consultation, but Unite argues this does not absolve them of their responsibilities. The union also criticized the government for not conducting a full impact assessment, despite an “equalities analysis” being made public under the Freedom of Information Act.
Unite has set a deadline of November 7 for the government to respond to a pre-action letter sent last week, demanding the reversal of the cuts. If the government fails to act, Unite plans to seek permission from the High Court to initiate a full judicial review.
This conflict is set against a backdrop of increasing tension between Labour and Unite, which has historically been a key financial supporter of the party. The union’s opposition to the fuel payment cut was evident during protests at this year’s Labour Party conference, where they voiced their concerns about the impact on pensioners.
In response, a government spokesperson defended the cuts, stating, “We are committed to supporting pensioners—with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock.” They also noted that over one million pensioners would still receive the winter fuel payment and highlighted a 152% increase in pension credit claims.
Critics of the cuts, including Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts, have pointed out that the government’s narrative of “tough choices” seems to disproportionately impact the most vulnerable. She remarked, “Pensioners are being pushed deeper into fuel poverty, unfairly scapegoated… The notion that cutting fuel support for pensioners is inevitable is simply farcical.”
With over 400,000 pensioners in Wales alone set to feel the effects of this policy change, the outcome of Unite’s legal challenge could have far-reaching implications for the future of welfare support in the UK.
