'DISGUSTING!' WINTER FUEL CUT FURY AS BILLS RISE

PENSIONERS have hit out at "disgusting" cuts to winter fuel payments amid warnings typical bills are set to rise to £145 a month.

- Katie Harris

Experts expect the energy regulator Ofgem to reveal on Friday that the price cap will go up again, by 1% to £1,736 on January 1. The average household must find an extra £19 a year soon after 10 million OAPs had the fuel payment of up to £300 axed in the Budget.

Shadow Pensions Secretary Helen Whately said: "This is another blow. Sadly, we're going to have to get used to bills going up under the Labour Party, and this is just the start. There is still time to reverse their cruel cut before the cold sets in and pensioners start to suffer from Labour's choices."

Robert Trewhella, 68, who is losing the allowance because he is £2 a week over the cut-off, called the cuts "absolutely disgusting" and urged Labour to admit it made a mistake.

The Government is facing a backlash for restricting the previously universal payments to only the poorest those OAPs receiving pension credit.

Ministers blame a £22billion black hole in public finances left by the outgoing Tories, which they deny. The latest 1% predicted rise for the the annual energy price cap comes after it soared by 10% last month to £1,717.

Dennis Reed, director of the Silver Voices campaign group, said: "News that energy prices will drift up again in January is further proof of the folly of the Government in scrapping the winter fuel payment for most pensioners. Older people just above the benefit eligibility limit are already at their wits end in balancing heating and food costs.

"The millions with chronic health conditions know they are potentially shortening their lives by not switching on their heating, but they have no choice. I have asked for an urgent face-to face meeting with the [Pensions Secretary] Liz Kendall to discuss emergency measures to save older lives this winter.