Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham admitted the winter fuel allowance ‘needs reforming’ as he was challenged on his party’s decision to scrap the policy for millions of pensioners.

The funding was scrapped after a vote in parliament which saw just one Labour MP oppose the decision. 

The change will mean only those eligible for pension credit will be able to claim the funding to help cover the cost of heating during the incoming winter months. 

Appearing on BBC Radio Manchester, the Greater Manchester mayor was challenged on his party’s views on the support scheme. One caller commented she was ‘beginning to think this government really hates pensioners and sees them as an easy target’. 

Mr Burnham said: “There is a case for reform of the winter fuel allowance. In these days, giving a payment to pensioners, some of whom have millions in the bank, does that make sense? “ 

He explained that many pensioners eligible for pension credit ‘don’t take up’ the offer, but also said ‘even if they do, it’s still quite low, the threshold at which you can take it up’. The pension credit tops up weekly incomes to a maximum of £218.15 if you’re single and £332.95 if you’re a couple. 

“[The pension credit] was introduced by the last Labour government with good intentions But I don’t think it ever fulfilled what they wanted to do. It was meant to help the pensioners who really needed it,” the mayor went on. 

He said: “I believe there will be pensioners in Greater Manchester who will struggle as a result of the loss of this payment. 

“My call is to look again at the threshold and whether the pension credit has to be the gateway. Whether this could be tapered as you go up through income levels. There’s ways this could be done to soften the impact.” 

Mr Burnham also suggested an ‘opt in’ model which relied on the public to be honest about whether or not they needed the extra funding. He called for decisions to be made at the upcoming budget at the end of October.