The Labour Government's decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment sparked a furious row on GB News, with one Conservative writer saying the older generation are "getting what they deserve."
Under the new rules, only those receiving Pension Credit will be eligible for the allowance, worth up to £300 annually. The Government claims this move is necessary to address a "£22billion black hole" in public finances and is expected to save about £1.3billion.
Conservative writer Charles Amos sparked outrage with his comments on the Winter Fuel Payment cuts.
Speaking to GB News, Amos claimed pensioners "don't need the winter fuel allowance" and suggested they could simply "reduce their leisure expenditure by 10 per cent".
Darren Grimes was left furious with the comments
He said: "They don't need the winter fuel allowance. All they would need to do to take account of the reduction in the winter fuel allowance, or the elimination of it for them, rather, is to reduce their leisure expenditure."
Infuriated by the comments, GB News host Darren Grimes said: "What have you got against pensioners? Why not look for cuts elsewhere? There are a myriad of things you could do. What about not sending £12billion abroad in so-called climate aid for a start?"
Amos later responded: "I think when it comes to making the hard choices of cutting winter fuel allowance, it's certainly making a good start.
"I would dispute that it's launching into generational warfare. In fact, it's just trying to stop boomers essentially ripping off young people.
"If you look at those born between 1945 and 1961, you'll find that they have taken or will take £1.20 out of the welfare state for every £1 they have paid in pensioners under this government are starting to get what they deserve, which is less."
Shocked, Darren said: "That is an appalling thing to say, what they deserve. It makes it sound like they have not worked all of their lives. Have they not contributed to building this country into what it is today?"
Thousands of pensioners will lost their Winter Fuel Allowance
GETTYChancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer argue that this controversial move is necessary to help fill a significant budget deficit.
The measures are expected to save about £1.3billion, as part of broader efforts to stabilise the economy.
The impact on disabled and low-income elderly is particularly severe.
Government data reveals that 71 per cent of people with a disability will lose entitlement to the payment. Age UK's analysis suggests 2.5 million older people on low incomes will be affected, higher than their previous estimate of two million.
Charles Amos said that pensioners are "ripping off the young"
GB News
The charity warns that the allowance's removal could force some older people to make difficult choices. As Peter, 87, told Age UK: "I rely on oil and electric to heat my home and the Winter Fuel Payment is a very welcome help in providing this."
The Government has defended its decision, emphasising alternative support measures. A spokesperson stated: "Our focus is on ensuring that those who should be claiming this support are receiving it alongside the wider support for vulnerable households, including the warm homes discount, worth £150, and household support fund."
They added: "Over a million pensioners will continue to receive winter fuel payments and through our commitment to protect the triple lock those on the full new state pension will receive an extra £400 – twice the average winter fuel payment."
