NEW DEMAND TO REVERSE 'CRUEL' WINTER FUEL CUT

LABOUR faces new calls to restore winter fuel payments after it was revealed most OAPs cannot live on the state pension alone.

- By Katie Harris

A total of 81% of over-65s say they could not afford basics such as food and energy on £230.25 a week. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately said Labour's "cruel" removal of the payment from most pensioners was punishing people who had worked hard for decades.

The poll findings triggered renewed calls for Sir Keir Starmer to scrap his restriction of the fuel aid to the poorest OAPs. Ms Whately said: "This Labour Government is punishing pensioners and pushing them to the edge, but they don't seem to care.

"It is heartbreaking to see some of the country's most vulnerable who have worked hard all their lives sent to suffer in silence. We would never have gone ahead with this cruel change, and this shows exactly why.”

Reform MP Lee Anderson said: “No Government that truly cared for its citizens would scrap winter fuel payments and put pensioners at risk. Labour must reverse this shameful decision.”

He added: “Reform UK will put Britons first - above all else.”

The charity Independent Age, which commissioned the YouGov survey, called for a cross-party review on what makes up an adequate income in later life.

Its chief executive Joanna Elson said: “Too many older people are living on inadequate incomes that do not even cover the cost of basic essentials. Our helpline is extremely busy.

“On a daily basis our advisers are hearing dreadful calls from older people who are making painful and drastic cutbacks just to make ends meet. These include not washing regularly to save on water, only having one meal a day and socially isolating themselves as they can’t afford to go out for a hot drink with loved ones.”