More than 5,000 over 80s in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics reveal.
Analysis of the new data shows that in Brecon, Radnor and 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.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP, David Chadwick has called on the UK 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.
In total, last year those aged over 80 in Brecon, Radnor and 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 UK Government for the vast majority of pensioners.
In total, 21,372 pensioners in the constituency 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.
Mr Chadwick has called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.
“Thousands of pensioners here in Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter,” he said.
“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.”