Labour MPs back Winter Fuel payment cut which could impact 33,000 local Pensioners

-Calderdale Liberal Democrats expressed dismay at Labour MPs choosing to cut Winter Fuel Payments for local pensioners

- 33,000 pensioners in the Borough of Calderdale at risk of losing the £300 payment this winter

The Liberal Democrats in Parliament tried to protect local pensioners by blocking the Government's changes and restoring their winter fuel payments. All 72 Liberal Democrat MPs opposed this cut.

A new analysis shows that an estimated 33,000 pensioners in Calderdale are now set to lose £300, which helps with heating bills in the cold winter months.

This is the estimated number of pensioners in the constituency who don't receive pension credit, and so will lose the winter fuel allowance under the Government's plans unless they receive other benefits. The figures were compiled by the House of Commons Library based on data from the Department of Work and Pensions.

Across the country, 11 million pensioners are set to lose their winter fuel payment under the Government's plans, including two million that the charity Age UK has said will struggle to afford their energy bills as a result. This is despite the average energy bill being set to rise by £149 a year from October.

Councillor Paul Bellenger, Liberal Democrat Council group leader said:

"Countless pensioners across Calderdale are worried about losing this vital support and how they will afford their energy bills this winter."

"Stripping support from many of the poorest pensioners in Calderdale just when energy bills are set to rise again is simply wrong. It could force vulnerable elderly people in our community to choose between eating and heating this winter.

"Not all pensioners are wealthy, and many do not claim the pension credits they are entitled to. In opposition, Labour said removing the winter payments would result in more deaths from cold weather. Now in Government, they are backing austerity and cuts."