6,014 over 80s at risk of losing Winter Fuel Payments in Harrogate and Knaresborough as local MP calls on govt to “change course”

6,014 of those aged over 80 in Harrogate and Knaresborough 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 Liberal Democrat MP, Tom Gordon has called on the new 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 Harrogate and Knaresborough 6,014 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 Harrogate and Knaresborough received £1,605,300 in support with £3,629,900 given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total, 20,198 pensioners in Harrogate and Knaresborough 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. Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Tom Gordon has called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Tom Gordon said:

“Thousands of pensioners here in Harrogate and Knaresborough are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. I am particularly concerned 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 the government’s decision.

“Cutting these payments for thousands of my constituents, including many that are barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.

“It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Harrogate and Knaresborough this winter.”

ENDS

The latest statistics can be found here.