LABOUR is “hiding” how may pensioners will be forced into poverty by its scrapping of Winter Fuel Payments, it has been claimed.
The Treasury has admitted in a Freedom of Information request response to knowing the true figure — but refused to reveal it.
Labour has been accused of concealing the ‘terrible impact’ of scrapping Winter Fuel Payments[/caption]
The Government was accused of concealing the “terrible impact”, with Tories branding it a “shocking revelation”.
It comes as Health Secretary Wes Streeting admitted stripping 10million over 65s of the £300 benefit has “stuck in the throat”.
Last week, PM Sir Keir Starmer said “there isn’t a report on my desk which somehow we’re not showing” about the effect of the unexpected policy change.
However, the Treasury now says it does hold the information, but argued it can be withheld as it was part of the “formulation or development of government policy”, which is exempt from FoI.
Laura Trott, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “It’s disgraceful the Treasury has a hidden analysis they are refusing to publish, which will show the terrible impact.”
She added: “Once again, this is more damning analysis that the Labour government did everything they could to hide from the public and parliamentt — but they cannot hide from the consequences.”
Yesterday, Mr Streeting warned October’s Budget will hurt more than just pensioners.
He said: “I can understand why there will be some pensioners sat there thinking, ‘Why us? And what about others?’. Well, there are other choices to come and these aren’t just Rachel Reeves’ choices to face up to.”
And he hit back at claims Labour has been too downbeat since taking power, telling the New Statesman: “I think people mistake honesty for gloominess. We’re conscious of the fact trust in politicians is at rock bottom.”
