Pensioners Celebrate – But Say “We’re Not Done Yet”
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) Northern Region is celebrating a major victory following the Labour Party’s U-turn on plans to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA). But while campaigners are welcoming the policy reversal, they are also warning that the fight is not over – and calling for the payments to be backdated for anyone who has already lost out.
This development comes after months of campaigning, public protest, and political lobbying, led by pensioners, charities, trade unions and supporters across the country. Crucially, it follows Labour’s poor performance in the recent local elections, which campaigners believe finally pushed the party to acknowledge the harm caused by its proposed cuts.
NPC Leadership Responds: “About Time – But Action Must Follow Words”
Alec McFadden, Regional Secretary of the NPC Northern Region, and Norman Jemison, National President and Regional Chair, issued a joint statement in response to the announcement:
“About time. The cutting of WFA was dangerous to so many Old Age Pensioners and was a bad error of judgment by the Starmer Government. It should never have been on the table.”
The NPC leaders made clear that while the reversal is a step in the right direction, it cannot undo the fear and hardship many pensioners have already experienced. They stressed that the Government must go further:
“This must not only be reversed — it must be backdated. Every pensioner who was denied their payment must be reimbursed in full. There must be justice, not just spin.”
What Is the Winter Fuel Allowance and Why It Matters
The Winter Fuel Allowance is a lifeline for millions of pensioners across the UK. The non-means-tested payment of £100 to £300 each winter helps cover soaring heating bills — especially vital for those with fixed incomes, chronic health conditions, or who live alone.
Labour’s plan to restrict or cut this payment was met with fury, particularly in colder regions like the North East, where many households face fuel poverty.
Removing or reducing WFA, critics said, would have directly endangered the health and safety of older people. Many pensioners were already rationing heat and food during last winter’s cost-of-living crisis.
The Role of the NPC: A Campaign That Made a Difference
The NPC played a central role in forcing the Government’s U-turn. In partnership with organisations like Age UK, UNISON Retired Members, Unite the Union, and local pensioners’ forums, the NPC organised:
- Mass Parliamentary Lobbies where older people met MPs face-to-face
- Public protests in towns and cities including Newcastle, Sunderland, and Gateshead
- Media appearances and letters to newspapers, raising the alarm over the real-life consequences of the cuts
- Petitions and social media actions that kept the issue in the public eye
McFadden said:
“This is a perfect example of why all pensioners should be in the NPC. We aren’t just a talking shop – we act, and we win.”
Why the Labour U-Turn Happened
While campaigners welcomed Labour’s reversal, they believe it was voter pressure and election losses that forced the change, not compassion. As covered by Sky News, Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the policy shift, but offered no firm details.
According to many in the movement, the Starmer government underestimated the strength of feeling among older voters. The local elections sent a clear message: you cannot take pensioners for granted.
Still No Details – And No Guarantees
One of the most concerning aspects of the Labour U-turn is the lack of clarity and commitment. Starmer’s comments suggest no concrete policy will be revealed until autumn, after the general election.
McFadden and Jemison responded firmly:
“We will not accept vague promises. We need a full reinstatement, proper funding, and a guarantee that this will never happen again.”
They are now urging all NPC members and supporters to write to their MPs, demand written commitments, and prepare for further action in the autumn if necessary.
The Backdating Demand: Pensioners Deserve Full Justice
A key demand now being added to the NPC’s campaign is backdating the Winter Fuel Allowance to cover any lost payments during the period of uncertainty.
Norman Jemison said:
“If pensioners went without heating or had to borrow money to stay warm, they must be paid back. A policy change without backdating is just a headline — not justice.”
The NPC is calling for parliamentary support for backdated payments and will be raising this in upcoming meetings and with MPs across the North East and beyond.
Call to Action: Hold MPs to Account
This is a crucial time. Pensioners and their allies must now:
- Contact local MPs and demand full reinstatement of WFA
- Insist on backdated payments for all who lost out
- Push for policy guarantees to be written into Labour’s election manifesto
- Join the NPC to stay involved in future campaigns
The NPC is urging all supporters to use their voice, their vote, and their networks to keep pressure on politicians of all parties.
📍 Next NPC Northern Region Meeting – Make Your Voice Heard
Want to get involved? Have questions about Winter Fuel Allowance, NHS cuts, or public transport issues?
🗓 Monday, 30th June
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Gateshead Civic Centre
Topics will include:
- The Winter Fuel Allowance campaign
- How we hold MPs accountable this autumn
- Updates on local transport (including the Washington Metro Loop)
- NHS waiting times and regional care concerns
- Building diversity and inclusion in our movement
All are welcome. Tea, coffee, and solidarity provided.
Stay Informed: Join the Movement
🖥 Visit our website for updates, resources, and campaign tools:
👉 www.northernregionnpc.co.uk
📧 Interested in joining? Email us or contact your local NPC branch.
🗣 Connect with our regional leaders:
- Alec McFadden, Regional Secretary
- Norman Jemison, Regional Chair
- Chris Lawlor, Research & Website Coordinator
In Summary
✅ The Labour U-turn is a victory for pensioner power
❌ But without details, it’s still a risk
📢 We demand full reinstatement, backdating, and guarantees
🧓 Pensioners deserve dignity, not uncertainty
🤝 The NPC will lead that fight — with you at our side