State pensioners rattled by rumours of a potential cut to free bus passes under a new Labour government have been given some reassurance. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has recently adjusted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) criteria related to the £300 Winter Fuel Allowance. With speculation rife about possible curtailments to the free bus pass benefit, shadow transport secretary Helen Whately has consulted Labour's transport secretary, Louise Haigh.
In response, a Labour spokesman said that the party has "no plans to withdraw" the popular scheme. The spokesman underscored the importance of the initiative: "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." READ MORE: Millions of Nationwide, Lloyds, Santander and NatWest customers could get £275 Addressing Ms Haigh, Ms Whately voiced her concerns: "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 passionate plea to reconsider any plans to axe the 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 .