Analysis of the new data shows that in the two Solihull constituencies, 10,972 pensioners aged over 80 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 those aged over 80 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.
In total, last year those aged over 80 in the two Solihull constituencies received £3,052,500 in support with £6,593,500 given out to all pensioners in the two constituencies. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.
In total 35,478 pensioners in both constituencies do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.
Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Solihull’s Lib Dems have called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.
Councillor Ade Adeyemo, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Solihull, said:
“Thousands of pensioners here in Solihull are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying.
“We have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.
“Cutting these payments for thousands of our residents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.
“It is not too late for this new Labour government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Solihull this winter.”
The Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats represent Liberal Democrat Members, Volunteers, Campaigners, Councillors and Candidates within the Local Authority area of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, and the two Parliamentary Constituencies of Solihull West and Shirley and Meriden and Solihull East.
Liberal Democrats in Solihull and Meriden have a long record of action for the community, fighting hard for local residents on issues that are important to them.
