Pensioners have shared their frustration and anger at Labour's deacon to scrap universal Winter Fuel Payments - with one branding the move "disgusting".
Previously, those of state pension age were allowed to claim up to £300 in energy bills to help out in the winter, but households will now need to receive means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions before they can access the money.
The decision was announced by the Government as Chancellor warned of a blackhole in the public finances. However, at the same time, Labour has agreed to multiple pay deals with unions to try and end the long-running strikes across the country.
Speaking to GB News, one pensioner said: "I have got friends struggling anyway, so without that winter fuel payment, they're going to be in real trouble."
One pensioner said they were really going to struggle
GB News
Another person hit out: "It is such a fine line of approximately £20 or so between getting it and not getting it.
"I think a lot of people are going to struggle who are very much on that borderline."
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A third pensioner fumed: "They have given doctors a big rise giving the railway workers a big prize, and they're taking the money off of us."
Whilst a fourth Briton said: "I think that's disgusting by the sounds that I'm going to get no payment this year, which I'm very deflated about because we're the people they should be helping."
Charities and campaign groups have written to the Chancellor to try and persuade her to U-turn on the idea.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves scrapped the Winter payments
GettyA letter sent to the Chancellor last week read: "The decision to remove the payment to all but a small minority of pensioners will see millions more older people face the prospect of spending this winter in cold damp homes.
"This has the potential to create a public health emergency.
"The impact of living in cold damp homes is particularly harsh on those older people with a disability, a long term health condition or with poor mental health."
Another pensioner branded it "disgusting"
GB News
The Government has urged pensioners who are struggling to use Pension Credit, and has stated that they have remained committed to the older generation.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "The dire state of the public finances we inherited from the previous Government means we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions.
"Our commitment to supporting pensioners remains, which is why we are maintaining the triple lock. We want pensioners to get the support they are entitled to.
"That’s why I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit."
