Winter Fuel Allowance Returns Under New Prime Minister
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has placed the cost of living at the top of his agenda, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reinstating the Winter Fuel Payment for the 2026/27 season. The payments will be made automatically to all eligible households in England and Wales, covering state pensioners born before 1960. Households will receive either £200 per household, or £300 where a resident is over 80. For state pensioners living alone, the full household amount applies: £200 for those aged 79 and under, and £300 for those aged 80 and above.
Martin Lewis Explains Payment Details
Financial expert Martin Lewis, known for his work with the BBC and ITV, clarified the payment structure on his Money Saving Expert website. He stated: "If you're a state pensioner living alone, it's straightforward – you get £200 if eligible and aged 79 or under, or £300 if 80 and above." However, for dual-person households, the rules become more complex. The team explained that if both residents are 80 or over, the £300 total is split equally, giving each person £150. If one resident is 80 or over and the other is under 80 (and eligible), the older person receives £200 and the younger receives £100, totalling £300. If both are under 80 and eligible, each gets £100 for a total of £200. If only one person is eligible, that individual receives £200 if under 80 or £300 if 80 or over.
Burnham Defends No 10 North in Manchester
On Friday, Mr Burnham defended the cost of establishing a new government hub, dubbed "No 10 North", in Manchester. Addressing critics based in London, he argued that it is better to have "a north pole that balances the south pole". Speaking to staff at the new centre, he said: "At least it creates that sense of a more balanced country, and that big things can be done from here." Reports indicate that any "No 10" buildings could be constructed without significant additional cost beyond what has already been approved by the Treasury.
