Unite claims the government did not follow correct procedure and has instructed lawyers who are asking the High Court for an urgent judicial review of the government’s decision

Pensioners have started receiving winter fuel payments for the year, with eligible pensioners set to receive £200-300 in their bank accounts from 25 November. In previous years, all pensioners would receive the payment every winter to help towards cold weather heating costs. Now, it will only be paid to pensioners who are claiming pension credit.

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