Nearly 6,000 over-80s are at risk of losing Winter Fuel payments in Epsom and Ewell, says Helen Maguire MP

Epsom & Ewell MP Helen Maguire has called on the government to “change course”, with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Maguire first opposed the Winter Fuel Allowance cut when it went to vote in the House of Commons on the 10th September.

Analysis of data that came out earlier this week shows that in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead, 5,788 pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment 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 out.

Last year those aged over 80 in Epsom and Ewell received £1,525,800 in support, with £3,309,200 given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners. In total, 18,261 pensioners in Epsom and Ewell do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.

Upon the release of these latest statistics, Helen Maguire said: “Thousands of pensioners here in Epsom and Ewell are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter and these latest figures are deeply worrying. It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse their plans and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Epsom and Ewell this winter.”