5,628 over 80s at risk of losing Winter Fuel Payments in Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe

5,628 of those aged over 80 in Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics released today (24th September) have revealed.

Local Welsh Liberal Democrat MP, David Chadwick has called on the new Labour 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 Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe, 5,628 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 Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe received £1,626,300 in support with £3,972,300 given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the Labour Government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total, 21,372 pensioners in Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe 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. Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe MP, David Chadwick has called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter. 

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick said:

“Thousands of pensioners here in Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe 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 Labour to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe this winter.”

ENDS