Pensioners in Poverty to Lose Winter Fuel Payments

Labour Accused of "Utter Disgrace"

Ministers have revealed that almost nine in 10 pensioners living in absolute poverty will lose their winter fuel payments. This comes as Labour faces accusations of an "utter disgrace" for the impact of the controversial policy.

Numbers Revealed

In response to a question from Tory MP Mel Stride, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds disclosed that 1.4 million OAPs in Britain are struggling in absolute poverty. However, only around 200,000, which is about 14%, received pension credit, the new criteria for keeping winter fuel payments.

Shadow Welfare Secretary's Response

Shadow Welfare Secretary, Mr. Stride, expressed his outrage, stating, "What an utter disgrace. We now know the vast majority of pensioners in poverty will see their Winter Fuel Payment snatched from them this winter. No wonder Labour ministers were so reluctant to answer basic questions about the impact of this policy."

Government's Efforts

The Government has been making efforts to encourage more eligible OAPs to sign up for pension credit, as there are concerns that 880,000 pensioners are not receiving the support they are entitled to.