MORE than 7,000 pensioners aged over 80 in West Worcestershire are at risk of losing their winter fuel payments.

That’s according to analysis of the latest government statistics by West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats.

The Lib Dems are calling on the Labour government to reverse its plan to means-test the payments.

They say thousands are at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Analysis of the new data shows that in West Worcestershire, 7,255 pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose the Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits.

PLEA: Dan Boatright-Greene is calling for the government to think againPLEA: Dan Boatright-Greene is calling for the government to think again (Image: Submitted)

All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months.

Those aged over 80 in West Worcestershire received £1,950,900 in support last year, with £4,423,900 given out to all pensioners in the constituency.

A total of 25,069 pensioners in West Worcestershire do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.

Dan Boatright-Greene, county councillor and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for West Worcestershire, said: “Thousands of pensioners here in West Worcestershire are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter.

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“We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying. 

“We 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 fellow constituents, including many that are just 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 West Worcestershire this winter.”

Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments.

A union motion calling for the cut to be reversed was backed by delegates at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, but ministers have insisted the policy will not be changed.