Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Secrecy shrouds impact assessment of Starmer's winter fuel cuts Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure over his decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners.  The latest questions to the prime minister centre on whether he conducted an impact assessment of the policy, which will strip the payment from all but the poorest pensioners, and if so, whether it will be published.  Sir Keir refused three times at PMQs to say whether an assessment existed, pointing only to the £22bn black hole he says is responsible for the policy change.  A post-PMQs lobby briefing then descended into farce as his official spokesman also refused repeatedly to confirm an impact assessment exists. The key problem is that, as The Independent revealed on Monday, the government has conducted an assessment of the impact of the policy change. When will Labour deliver on its promise to to have transparency at the heart of its government and publish the assessment? .  Written by Archie Mitchell Quiz question What in July 2001 led to Sir Tony Blair facing his first Commons defeat? Answer at the bottom of today's email Support The Independent At The Independent, nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own mind and aren't afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.   With your support, we challenge the status quo, uncover crucial stories, and amplify unheard voices. If you like what we do, do take out a subscription and help support the best quality online-only journalism. SUBSCRIBE: 3 MONTHS FOR FREE SUBSCRIBE: 3 MONTHS FOR FREE Daily briefing Starmer refuses to rule out scrapping pensioner council tax discount after winter fuel axe The prime minister came under pressure at PMQs over his decision to means test the winter fuel payments worth up to £300 Farage declares US presidential debate 'a score draw' as Trump faces ridicule for abortion and migrant lies Trump's bizarre debate performance ranting about immigrants eating cats and dogs has been met with a muted response Labour MPs expensed over £400,000 for energy bills before axing winter fuel payments MPs are able to pay for some energy bills using taxpayer money under the current expenses rules  What else you need to know today Landlords warned that they may raise rents as a result of Labour's Renters' Rights Bill as it was introduced to parliament on Wednesday Rachel Reeves was warned that expected tax rises in October's Budget could damage growth, after surprise new figures showed the economy flatlining  The Independent's Simon Calder looked at the UK's new ETA travel scheme with a £10 charge – and what it means for visitors  The Independent View Sir Keir Starmer is not for turning Politics explained Can Starmer woo the unions back into a fulfilling relationship with Labour?  Sean O'Grady looks at how the political and industrial arms of the Labour movement might make a go of it this time round...   Read more MOST COMMENTED Trump fumed and his face turned red. Then the debate got weird Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble  Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for  The Commons sits from 9.30am for environment questions, followed by questions to the solicitor general, Sarah Sackman, a newly elected MP promoted straight to ministerial office.  After any urgent questions and ministerial statements there will be a general debate, and then the Commons will go into recess again for party conferences; returning on Monday 7 October.    The House of Lords sits from 11am: Theresa May will be introduced as Baroness May of Maidenhead and Liam Booth-Smith, Rishi Sunak's former chief of staff, will take his place as Baron Booth-Smith of Newcastle-under-Lyme.  Sir Keir Starmer will give a speech as Ara Darzi, the surgeon and peer, publishes his review of NHS performance. It was commissioned by health secretary Wes Streeting.  The Office for Budget Responsibility will publish its fiscal risks and sustainability report.  Nick Clegg, global affairs president of Meta, the company that owns FaceBook, will speak at Chatham House about the tension between democracy and technology at 3pm. QUOTATION OF THE DAY "They're eating the dogs! The people that came in. They're eating the cats! They're eating, they're eating the pets of the people that live there."   Former president Donald Trump during last night's debate against Vice President Kamala Harris An attempt to remove Gwyneth Dunwoody and Donald Anderson from the chairmanship of two powerful select committees The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy