The UK Labour Government’s decision to scrap winter fuel payments for all those not in receipt of benefits will leave 30,000 pensioners in Conwy and Denbighshire worse off this winter.

Yesterday, the Chancellor announced that the lifeline taxpayer-funded payouts will only be awarded to those eligible for Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has condemned the decision, which will result in 13,000 pensioners in Denbighshire and 17,000 in Conwy no longer being eligible to receive the payment.

He said:

“Yesterday’s announcement will have come as a huge blow to thousands of pensioners in Clwyd West, and millions throughout the country.

“Whilst I appreciate there are some affluent pensioners who may not depend on this annual payment to help them with their fuel costs, there are a great many who do and are now being penalised.

“These pensioners are aggrieved, and rightly so. The majority have worked hard all their lives and should not be in position where they are afraid to put the heating on when they are cold.

“It is deeply concerning and people are now living in fear of what other sacrifices they may be forced to make at the hands of Labour.

“Pensioners and people on fixed incomes in particular are finding it more and more difficult to meet the increasingly expensive cost of living, but the Chancellor has failed to take any of this into account. Quite frankly it is an absolute disgrace and our pensioners deserve better.”