6,400 Over 80s at Risk of Losing Winter Fuel Payments in Yeovil Constituency as Adam Dance MP Calls on Government to “Change Course”
In light of alarming new statistics, Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance has revealed that 6,400 residents aged over 80 in Yeovil Constituency are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to government cuts. The statistics highlight the urgent need for government intervention to protect vulnerable pensioners this winter.
Adam Dance MP has urged the new government to “change course” and prioritise the well-being of elderly citizens, emphasising that many pensioners may be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter. The analysis indicates that these pensioners, who are not receiving pension credit, will lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment previously available to help cover their energy bills.
“Thousands of pensioners here in Yeovil and South Somerset are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter,” said Adam Dance MP. “I am particularly concerned for those older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying. I have heard countless stories from constituents who now face the heart-wrenching choice between staying warm or putting food on the table because of this government’s decision.”
Last year, pensioners aged over 80 in Yeovil received a total of £1,767,600 in Winter Fuel Payments, contributing to a combined £4,035,600 distributed to all pensioners in the constituency. However, this essential support will drastically decline this winter following the government's cuts, leaving many elderly residents in precarious situations.
Additionally, a staggering 22,199 pensioners in the Yeovil Constituency do not currently receive pension credit and are therefore at risk of losing crucial financial support. Age UK has also raised concerns, stating that 2.5 million pensioners could be “in serious trouble” this winter due to the reduction of these vital payments.
“It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals, and protect vulnerable pensioners here this winter,” Dance concluded.