Latest news from High Peak Liberal Democrats on the Winter Fuel Payment Cuts for Many Pensioners

High Peak Liberal Democrats are joining those calling on the new government to “change course” in the face of new statistics, saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.

4411 of those aged over 80 in High Peak are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics released last week have revealed, as they are not in receipt of pension credit so 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 High Peak received £1,287,000 in support with £3,268,400 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.

17,739 pensioners in High Peak 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. High Peak’s Lib Dems are calling on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter. 

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for High Peak, David Lomax said:

“Thousands of pensioners in High Peak, as across the country, 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. 

“Colleagues across the country 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 here in High Peak, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing. This new government can and must change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners this winter.”

David Lomax

Spokesperson for High Peak Liberal Democrats