State pensioners who have been anxious over the potential discontinuation of their free bus passes under a new Labour government can breathe a sigh of relief. Concerns escalated after Chancellor Rachel Reeves amended the criteria for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but Labour officials have clarified the situation, reports . Amidst fear that free bus passes may join the list of benefits facing reductions, shadow transport secretary Helen Whately has sought confirmation from her counterpart, Labour's transport secretary Louise Haigh.
A spokesperson for Labour said: "We know how vital the free bus pass scheme is for preventing loneliness, providing access to vital services and keeping people connected to loved ones, and that's why we have no plans to withdraw it." Ms Whately in communication with Ms Haigh raised concerns about the wellbeing of pensioners: "Pensioners across the country remain hugely worried about how they will cope with the Government's recent cut to the winter fuel allowance. If scrapping their bus passes is not in your plans, then to allow this speculation to continue is immensely cruel.
" She made a heartfelt plea against the possible axing of bus passes, as reported by Birmingham Live: "If, however, it is, then I implore you to reconsider. The vast majority of pensioners are not living the life of luxury you appear to think they are. These cuts will heap further pain on top of losing a fuel allowance so many of .