Everything we know about the Winter Fuel Payment as MPs vote on cuts

The new Labour government is facing one of its first major challenges in Parliament as MPs vote on cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that the universal payment for pensioners would only be available to those receiving other means-tested benefits this winter. It means that millions of pensioners are set to miss out on the up to £300-a-year payment.

Ministers have defended the move, blaming the Conservatives for leaving a £22bn 'black hole' in the public finances. The government has urged the 880,000 people eligible for Pension Credit to apply so that those 'most at need' of the Winter Fuel Payment can get it.

READ MORE: 'I won't parrot the party line on winter fuel payment cuts', Andy Burnham says

Last week, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said he has 'concerns' about the plans to cut the Winter Fuel Payment. It comes after several MPs - including some Labour ones - criticised the move which will be put to a vote in Parliament today (September 10).

Two Greater Manchester MPs have confirmed that they will against the changes to the winter fuel allowance, while another MP has signed a motion calling on the government to delay the decision. Here is everything we know about the move ahead of the vote.

The Winter Fuel Payment was introduced by the last Labour government in 1997. Since then, it has been paid to all pensioners with those born before September 1958 entitled to between £200 and £300, depending on their specific circumstances in recent years.

In July, the Chancellor announced that, for this winter, the previously universal benefit would only be paid to those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. The move is expected to result in 9.5m fewer