5,875 of those aged over 80 in Torbay are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics released this week have revealed.
Local MP and Lib Dem spokesperson for Work and Pensions, Steve Darling has called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.
Analysis of the new data shows that in Torbay, 5,875 pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits.
All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money.
In total, last year those aged over 80 in Torbay received £1,845,900 in support with £4,278,500 given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.
In total, 21,199 pensioners in Torbay do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.
Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Torbay MP, Steve Darling has called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.
Steve said:
“Being a community with a higher than average population of pensioners and issues round deprivation, the impact of these cuts will be felt particularly hard felt here in Torbay.
“Many pensioners have already told me how 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.
“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 Torbay this winter.”
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