THE National Pensioners’ Convention (NPC) is backing legal action by union Unite against the government’s decision to end the winter fuel allowance for all but the poorest pensioners.

Unite has launched a judicial review notice, which gave the government until today to reverse its decision.

Following the government’s failure to do so, Unite will now seek a judicial review of the government’s withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance at the High Court.  

The NPC is Britain’s most influential voice representing pensioners. 

General secretary Jan Shortt said: “The NPC is grateful to Unite the union for continuing its campaign to reinstate the winter fuel allowance to all older people and we fully support the judicial review.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is not too late for Labour to register the hurt that this cruel policy has caused, step back from picking the pockets of pensioners and do the right thing.”