4,625 over 80s at risk of losing Winter Fuel Payments in Weston-super-Mare as Lib Dems calls on govt to “change course”

Weston-super-Mare Liberal Democrats, have 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 Weston, 4,625 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 Weston-super-Mare received £1,359,000 in support with £3,286,000 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 17,211 pensioners in Weston-super-Mare 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. Weston-super-Mare’s Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter. 

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Weston-super-Mare, Patrick Keating said:

“Thousands of pensioners here in Weston-super-Mare 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 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 Weston this winter.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The latest statistics can be found here.

Government data on Winter Fuel Payment here.

Pension Credit Source - DWP StatExplore.

Data from Age UK can be found here.