Downing Street is actively investigating changes in controversial winter fuel payment cuts, a reduction in concerns about the policy’s deep unwelcome to voters.

No. 10 strengthened its work by conducting internal polls and focus groups on how voters will respond to potential modifications.

The Guardian first revealed two weeks ago that Downing Street is reconsidering the controversial cut and considering whether to add a £11,500 threshold that no longer qualifies for the allowance.

Prime Minister Rachel Reeves cut payments for 10 million pensioners in the weeks since taking office, believing it is no longer affordable as the Conservatives left a £22 billion black hole in the country's financial situation.

The £300 worth of benefits is now tested and only for those who receive pension credit and some other benefits.

The decision was very unpopular to voters and was accused of some losses Labour gained in the UK local elections earlier this month, with Runcorn and Helsby Byeclet.

Keir Starmer does not deny that he is reconsidering the policy this week. "We made tough decisions, but the right decisions, budgets, including the decisions we made for winter fuels," Stamer said on a trip to Albania.

"We now see the benefits of lowering interest rates and growing numbers. It's a tough decision, but the right decision is the right decision."

Simon Francis, coordinator of the Final Fuel Poverty Alliance, said: “Any turn-in-hand, but now it’s important details, especially when winter fuel payments for all pensioners are not restored.

“We need to see a significant increase in pension credit thresholds, introducing a taper system to stop people from disappearing in winter fuel payments with just £1 for winter fuel payments and targeting this support more widely, including those with disability benefits for non-mean testing or allowances for caregivers. Most importantly, there is less learning from the decision making of this scandal.”

Nigel Farage's Runcorn and Helsby Byelection won seats this month at Runcorn and Helsby Byelection and the 677 Council, and has promised to turn things around.

After the local election results, the Labor Red City panel of about 45 MPs urged ministers to "take immediate action" to win voters in northern and central England. They said responding to questions raised by the public, including reducing payments for winter fuel, is not "weak."

The policy also faces public criticism from senior labour figures including Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan. Morgan said last week that voters were “very frustrated” by the layoffs, “this is the first problem that has emerged in Wales”.

Any changes to the policy can be announced immediately next month, with Reeves going to conduct a spending review on June 11.

Meanwhile, Starmer faces the biggest rebellion due to separate cuts in disability benefits in the Premier League rebellion next month, with dozens of MPs warning last week that they “can’t support it.”