Unite union takes legal action over Winter Fuel Payment cut

The union has applied to the High Court for a judicial review of the government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment for all but the poorest pensioners

Elderly man warms his hands on the radiator
(Image credit: Da-kuk via Getty Images)

Unite, one of Labour’s biggest donors, is taking legal action against the government in response to its decision to axe the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners this year. The union has made a formal application to the High Court for leave to go forward with a full judicial review.

The union claims the government acted unlawfully and that the policy will result in a higher number of cold-related deaths this winter. It previously wrote to work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall calling for the cut to be reversed, but says it was met with an “unsatisfactory response”.

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Katie Williams
Staff Writer

Katie has a background in investment writing and is interested in everything to do with personal finance, politics, and investing. She enjoys translating complex topics into easy-to-understand stories to help people make the most of their money.

Katie believes investing shouldn’t be complicated, and that demystifying it can help normal people improve their lives.

Before joining the MoneyWeek team, Katie worked as an investment writer at Invesco, a global asset management firm. She joined the company as a graduate in 2019. While there, she wrote about the global economy, bond markets, alternative investments and UK equities.

Katie loves writing and studied English at the University of Cambridge. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the theatre, reading novels, travelling and trying new restaurants with friends.