The Rest Is Money

92. Are Labour’s economic plans in trouble?

Sep 11, 2024

The discussion dives into Labour's shaky economic strategies and the fallout from scrapping the winter fuel payment. Critics highlight the potential mistrust among investors and the long-term impact on public sentiment. Rising energy costs are stressing vulnerable groups, especially pensioners, as the government struggles with timely support. The balance between protecting workers' rights and giving businesses flexibility takes center stage, raising questions about the future of labor policies and social services.

39:26

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Quick takeaways

The shift from universal winter fuel payments to means-tested eligibility risks leaving vulnerable pensioners without essential financial support during winter months.

The scrapping of the social care cap reflects a failure to address the pressing needs of an aging population despite commitments to improve the system.

Deep dives

Changes to Winter Fuel Payments

The recent changes to winter fuel payments include a shift from universal to means-tested eligibility, affecting over 11 million pensioners. This adjustment aims to save the government £1.4 billion, yet it risks leaving many vulnerable individuals without necessary financial support during colder months. The discussion indicates that the decision was viewed as a significant misstep by the government, particularly regarding its timing and execution. Critics argue that such changes should have been part of a broader budget strategy to present a cohesive plan to the public.

Intro

2min

The Controversy Surrounding the Winter Fuel Payment Change

4min

Government Decisions and Public Perception: The Economic Challenge

3min

The Financial Strain of Energy Costs on Vulnerable Populations

14min

Labor Policies and Children's Services

9min

Worker Protections vs. Employer Flexibility

6min

Robert and Steph discuss how Starmer and Reeves made such a mess of scrapping the winter fuel payment, whether they were also wrong to abolish the social care cap and the risks of their new protections for workers.

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Assistant Producer: India Dunkley

Producer: Ross Buchanan

Head of Content: Tom Whiter

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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