Editor's view: Could winter fuel cut be the tip of the iceberg for Labour backlash?

The editor’s Friday Night Takeaway from 20 September

Jen Frost
clock • 3 min read

The Autumn Budget (30 October) is creeping ever closer, and AJ head of investment analysis Laith Khalaf’s words in a recent PA op-ed make for potentially chilling reading.

"It does make political sense for Labour to get the really unpopular and controversial policies out of the way now, while they can still lay the blame on the legacy left by their predecessors," Khalaf wrote. Labour has been in power for less than three months, but it has already stoked the fires of controversy with its pensioners' winter fuel payment cut. A £10bn Bank of England budget boost this week added to heated debate as campaigners piled on the pressure for a rethink. The matter is already boiling over into what could be an embarrassing showdown, with The Guardian reporting tha...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Feel Good Friday: Quilter pledges £3m towards financial education

Feel Good Friday: Quilter pledges £3m towards financial education

Alongside £1m in grants supporting charities

Professional Adviser
clock 13 February 2026 • 1 min read
Brits unlikely to see IFAs despite Budget impact

Brits unlikely to see IFAs despite Budget impact

Just 19% were likely to seek advice, Continuum finds

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read
Treasury consults on AR regime adding further FCA and FOS permissions

Treasury consults on AR regime adding further FCA and FOS permissions

Amid concerns about consumer harm and weaknesses in oversight

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read