Liberal Democrats call for government to "change course" on Winter Fuel Cuts

Approximately 20,000 pensioners in West Suffolk are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics released on the 24th September have revealed. 
Local Liberal Democrat campaigners across the country have called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners”, thousands in our area at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter. 
Analysis of the new data shows that in West Suffolk, approximately 20,000 pensioners are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits. 
All pensioners were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money. 
Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. 
Chair of West Suffolk Liberal Democrats campaigner Helen Korfanty said: 
“Many pensioners here in West Suffolk are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. I am concerned most about those older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying. I’m also worried about those that live alone who aren’t thought about enough."

“The new Labour MP in Bury St Edmunds works in the medical field, he will be fully aware that by cutting this payment, we would expect to see more pensioners in hospital with conditions such as pneumonia, hypothermia and bronchitis caused by the cold weather, causing an even bigger strain on the resources of West Suffolk Hospital. He chose to still vote to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment, choosing blindly to follow the government instead of standing up for his new constituents.”

“It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in rural Suffolk this winter.”
"I encourage any pensioner on low income to contact West Suffolk Council and see if they qualify for pension credit as there are many people who don’t realise they are eligible, as this would mean they can keep their Winter Fuel Allowance.”