'It really does feel sometimes like they would be happy for the elderly like me to die off and be less of a burden on the state'

A PENSIONER who has seen her energy bill rocket by 367% has told how she fears for her life this coming winter.

- By Conor Wilson

Joan Scotten, 97, was sent the extortionate bill by British Gas, who told her that her monthly energy charge was being raised from £57.91 a month to £270.46. She said no explanation was given as to why.

The bill increase for the year works out at just over £2,500.

Joan, who previously worked in administration at Rolls-Royce, now lives alone in Derby.

She told how she may have to sacrifice many of the things that bring her joy in the twilight of her life to cover the cost, or risk freezing once the weather turns.

Joan added: "I have no idea how I am going to pay for it, I really don't.

"I have always paid my way and I live within my means, but I expect that I will have to cut out a lot if I want to use the heating.

"But I haven't worked out how I will do that just yet." Earlier this year, Sir Keir Starmer pledged to cut £300 off energy bills by 2030.

Bleak

But Joan believes that the Prime Minister and the Labour Government care little about the impact of energy prices on pensioners.

She was one of millions to lose her winter fuel payment last year and lays a portion of the blame for her predicament at the foot of the Government.

She added: "I'm not surprised that this has happened now that Labour are back in power. It is exactly what happened last time they were in power.