Labour MPs have used the government's U-turn on winter fuel payments to renew their calls for planned benefit cuts to be reversed.
Backbenchers broadly welcomed the announcement pensioners in England and Wales with an annual income of £35,000 or less would now be eligible for up to £300 to help with energy bills this winter.
They thanked the government for listening to their concerns, arguing means testing was fair but that the threshold for the payment, which was previously for all pensioners, was set too low last year.
However, several urged ministers to also think again on planned cuts to disability payments, while others called for the two-child benefit cap to be scrapped.
Under planned changes to the benefits system it would be harder for people with less severe conditions to claim personal independence payments (Pips), while the government is promising more support to help people get into work.
The two-child benefit cap policy prevents most families from claiming means-tested benefits for any third or additional children born after April 2017, which critics say has pushed people into poverty.
Ministers are considering lifting the cap, with a decision expected in the autumn, when a child poverty strategy is published.
Pressure from Labour backbenchers over both issues – as well as on winter fuel payments – has been growing since the party's poor performance at local election's in May.
The winter fuel payment was previously paid to all pensioners but last year the government announced only those receiving pension credit or another means-tested benefit would be eligible in England and Wales.
The original cut last year was estimated to save £1.7bn, with the government arguing it was necessary because of the state of the public finances.
But the move, which meant more than 10 million pensioners did not receive the payment in 2024, was criticised by charities, unions, opposition parties and many Labour MPs.
Following mounting pressure, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a U-turn last month, with the details of who will get the payment this winter set out on Monday.
The chancellor said she would detail how the £1.25bn policy would be paid for in the autumn Budget.
