Horror poll reveals 50% of pensioners will heat their home less this winter following major vote
A new pole has revealed that 50 per cent of pensioners will heat their home less this winter
Getty/PA
Half of British pensioners will now heat their homes less often, according to a poll following a vote on cutting winter fuel payments for 10 million people, a shocking poll has revealed.
It comes as unions warn that millions of older people will be forced to turn down their heating this winter.
MPs voted earlier this afternoon on the new measure as union bosses accused ministers of "picking pensioners' pockets".
The cut has triggered protests from some Labour MPs who have concerns about a huge electoral backlash.
A new pole has revealed that 50 per cent of pensioners will heat their home less this winterGetty/PAThe Unite union urged Sir Keir Starmer to abandon the "very cruel" policy.
The Savanta survey, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, showed that some 55 per cent of pollsters said the move will likely mean they have to endure a cold winter this year.
It also showed that four in 10 elderly people are planning to cut back on essentials in light of the winter fuel payment cuts.
And 19 per cent said that will have to eat less this winter to save money.
Winter fuel payments have been cut for millions of pensioners
PAConservative work and pensions spokesman Mel Stride has warned Labour to listen to its constituents.
He said: "Do as you said you would and put the country before your party. Vote with us in Parliament, not against us.
"Change course and reverse your cruel choice to remove the winter fuel payment from millions of vulnerable pensioners.
"Many driven into fuel poverty this winter will have to choose between heating and eating because of Starmer.
"And, if Labour MPs let this abhorrent policy go through, it will be because of them too."
Union bosses accused ministers of "picking pensioners' pockets"
PAEd Davey said the poll revealed that the Government is forcing pensioners to make the "heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter".
Last night, Rachel Reeves double-downed on her stance, telling fellow Labour MPs that pensioners could afford the increase due to a rise in the state pension.
The Chancellor told the meeting - attended by Cabinet ministers Yvette Cooper, John Healy and Steve Reed - that: "There are more difficult decisions to come. I don't say that because I relish it. I don't, but it is a reflection of the inheritance that we face.
"So, when members are looking at where to apportion blame, when pensioners are looking where to apportion blame, I tell you where the blame lies. It lies with the Conservatives and the reckless decisions that they made.
"I don't say that because I relish it. I don't, but it is a reflection of the inheritance that we face."
The cut is expected to save £1.5billion a year, though ministers have refused to publish an assessment of the potential impact.