THOUSANDS of octogenarians in Stratford district will have to choose between heating and eating this winter.
This is according to local MP Manuela Perteghella who is calling on the government to “change course” over the cutting of winter fuel payments.
Nearly 7,000 of those aged over 80 in the district are at risk of losing these vital payments towards heating their homes due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics have revealed.
And Dr Perteghella has called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners”.
Analysis of the new data shows that in Stratford on Avon, 6,813 pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose the winter fuel payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits.
All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to up to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months. MPs voted at the beginning of September to means test these payments instead of making them available to everyone aged over 66.
In total, 22,845 pensioners in Stratford district do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support.
Dr Perteghella said: “Thousands of pensioners here in Stratford on Avon are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. I am concerned most about those older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying.
“I have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.
“Cutting these payments for thousands of my constituents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.
“It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Stratford on Avon this winter.”
PM Keir Starmer has said the country’s finances are in a poor state and the winter fuel payment plan would save an estimated £1.4billion this year.
