Devastating poll reveals half of pensioners to cut back on heating over winter fuel axe

More than half of pensioners will heat their homes less this winter due to winter fuel payment cuts, new polling shows.

The survey found three in four expect to be affected by the Labour Government's controversial decision to restrict the allowance to only the poorest pensioners.

Some 55% said they were likely to not use the heating as much, while almost one in five are planning to eat less and 39% will cut back on other essentials.

The Liberal Democrats, who commissioned the poll, urged Sir Keir Starmer to U-turn on the measure.

The party's leader Sir Ed Davey said: “The Government should do the right thing and change course on this.

“This decision to cut the winter fuel allowance will put untold stress on pensioners, with many facing a heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter.

“While we understand the dire state the Conservatives left the public finances in, now is not the time to be cutting support to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We cannot stand by and allow millions of pensioners to endure another winter in a cost of living crisis, Liberal Democrats will be voting against the Government’s cut.”

The poll piles more pressure on the Prime Minister ahead of a crunch Commons vote on the measure tomorrow.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves blamed the state of the public finances when she announced in July that the previously universal payments of up to £300 would be limited to only those on pension credit.

She claimed the previous Tory government left a £22 billion black hole in this year's budget, which they have denied.

The change - which has been criticised by opposition parties, campaigners and some Labour MPs - means around 10 million pensioners will miss out this winter.

Savanta interviewed 2,243 UK adults online from August 30 to September 1.