Pensioners could have to 'choose heat or food'

There are concerns some pensioners may have to "choose between heat and food" this winter

An 87-year-old has hit out at the new Labour government after the chancellor announced winter fuel payments would be scrapped for around 10 million pensioners.

From this autumn, those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer receive the annual payments, worth between £100 and £300.

John Davis, from Hucclecote, Gloucester, said he is "furious" with the government, claiming many of his friends will have to "choose between heat and food" this winter.

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the government is "committed to pensioners".

'Hard working people'

Mr Davis, a retired Dowty Group engineer, said while he is not worried for his own finances this winter, he is concerned for many of his friends.

"I'm able to manage OK myself because I'm in a reasonable position as an old age pensioner, but there is 11.4 million pensioners who are affected and, of that, 1.4 million will be getting it [the winter fuel payment]," Mr Davis said.

"I agree entirely that it should be means-tested, lots of people don't need it, but they're hard working people that have always paid their taxes, like myself.

"They're living on a very low income and will feel the pinch of that."

Only pensioners on state benefits will receive the winter fuel payment from this winter

When new chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel payments would be scrapped for millions last week, she said it was to fill a £22bn "black hole" left in the public purse by the former Conservative government.

But Mr Davis said this explanation is "absolutely disgraceful", claiming Labour "knew before" they came into power the financial state of the country.

He said the Government had taken a "sweeping axe" in a bid to get money back, but had hit "poor people that pay their taxes and are suffering".

"Many of my friends who are living on just the state pension will be choosing between heat or food this winter because of this," Mr Davis said.

"A Labour government, who was supposed to look after the working class, has let us down badly already."

'Difficult decisions'

A Government spokesperson said: “This government is committed to pensioners: protecting the triple lock, keeping energy bills low through our Warm Homes Plan, and cutting NHS waiting lists – bringing real stability to people’s lives.

“We said we would be honest with the public and, given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, this Government must take difficult decisions to fix the foundations of the economy.

“In these circumstances it is right that Winter Fuel Payments are targeted at those in most need, and we will work with Local Authorities to boost the uptake of Pension Credit, reaching the many pensioners who could still benefit from this year’s Winter Fuel Payments.”