Pensioners share fears ahead of Budget

The Greater Manchester pensioners said they are worried about next week's Budget

Pensioners in Greater Manchester have shared their concerns ahead of next week's Budget.

They have said they feared cuts to the NHS and mental health services, and were angry over the the scrapping of the winter fuel allowance.

The group, who met at the Angel community hub in Salford, were responding to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' claim that there was a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances.

The government said it is committed to supporting pensioners.

Brian Quinn said he is worried about mental health funding cutbacks

.Brian Quinn said he was concerned about the mental health funding. He said any cutbacks in mental health are "devastating.”

Marion Tenpenny said she would like to see older people looked after better.

"The waiting lists in hospitals are horrendous," she said.

"They're in the corridors. I've seen them myself."

Dave Barry and Marion Tenpenny are angry at winter fuel allowance cuts

Ms Tenpeny also raised concerns about the cut to the winter fuel allowance, which was previously paid to all pensioners to help with energy bills.

In July, the government said it would only be paid to those who received certain benefits.

“If you've got pension credit you got loads of other benefits, but when you're in the middle you still don't get any benefits," Ms Tenpenny said.

“People are not putting the heating on. They are freezing. Everything's a struggle.

“It is either eat or keep warm.”

Yvonne Cheung said some pensioners are very poor

Dave Barry said: "If everyone applies for the pension credit they are eligible for they [the government] will be spending another three or four billion pounds more.

“Where's the logic in that?”

Yvonne Cheung said: “Old people are sometimes very poor because the pension is not enough for them. The economy in the UK is not very good.”

A government spokesperson said: "We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their State Pension rise by up to £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.

"We are also working with NHS staff to make sure the system is prepared for winter, while over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take up has already seen a 152% increase in claims.

"Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills over winter and our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills."