'I have to go to bed at 6pm to keep warm,' pensioner shares heartbreaking reality of 'ridiculous' Winter Fuel cut

"I can watch the telly in there as well because I've got a TV up there, so that's how I cope with it."

Many elderly individuals face struggles following Starmer's decision to restrict the annual payment of up to £300 to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

The decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments has sparked controversy and legal action.

Peter and Florence Fanning, pensioners from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, are bringing legal proceedings against the Scottish Government and UK Government over the policy change.

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Fanning, 73, said: "It's frightening to know that a couple of months ago we thought that £300 would stand us in good stead during the winter.

"To hear all of a sudden - out of the blue - that we're not getting it, doesn't sound fair to me."

He added: "I'll end up in bed with socks, a hot water bottle and a book because I can't keep the heating on all day long."

Sue Ashcombe-Hurt directed a strong message to the Prime Minister, criticising the policy's impact on pensioners.

She told GB News: "What I say to Starmer is you're supposed to be the party of working people.

"You're supposed to look after pensioners and the disabled and the worse off.

"And yet the first thing you do within days of coming into power is take money off the pensioners and the poorest pensioners at that."

"She expressed her disgust at the decision, adding: "It's not even just the rich pensioners as it should be absolutely disgusting.

"It is absolutely disgusting and he should be absolutely ashamed of himself. I don't know how he lifts his head up in Parliament."

Starmer addressed the issue at Prime Minister's Questions, blaming the previous Conservative Government for a £22billion budget deficit.

He insisted: "Pensioners under Labour will be better off because we're going to stabilise the economy after that lot lost control of it."

The Prime Minister also highlighted the upcoming state pension increase, with the full rate set to rise by £362.65 (4.1 per cent) for most pensioners on April 6, 2025.