7,255 over 80s at risk of losing Winter Fuel Payments in West Worcestershire as Lib Dems calls on government to “change course”

West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats have called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics arguing 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 West Worcestershire, 7255 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 £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 West Worcestershire received £1, 950,900 in support,  with £4, 423,900 given out to all pensioners in this constituency. This figure will fall drastically this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total 25,069 pensioners in West Worcestershire 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. West Worcestershire’s Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter. 

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for West Worcestershire, Dan Boatright-Greene, said:

“Thousands of pensioners here in West Worcestershire are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying. 

“We 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 fellow 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 West Worcestershire this winter.”