Five million pensioners face paying extra tax to claw back their winter fuel allowance under Labour's humiliating climbdown, it was claimed today.
A complicated solution being mooted to defuse fury at Labour slashing the benefit - worth up to £300 - would see it handed to all the older generation this season.
However, around half - with annual incomes over £37,000 - would repay the money later through higher tax bills.
The idea has been condemned by unions amid fears bereaved families could be hit with unexpected demands for cash. Labour insiders have voiced alarm at the 'optics' of trying to recoup the allowance from the estates of those who died after getting it.
Introducing a tough means test on winter fuel allowance was one of the first announcements Rachel Reeves made after entering No11, and has been blamed for triggering the dramatic slump in Labour's popularity.
