Winter Fuel Payment chaos revealed in new report - full list of areas worst hit

A new study has revealed which areas of the UK are set to be worst affected by the government’s removal of the winter fuel allowance.

The removal of the universal benefit will see millions of pensioners left without the £300 contribution to their energy bills that many have come to rely on.

Some have been left fearing for their health. In an interview with Express.co.uk, Terence Pape, a former RAF serviceman who has recently undergone heart surgery, accused Keir Starmer of wanting him to "die" following the controversial axing of the winter fuel payment.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended the measure, claiming that it is vital to address "a £22 billion black hole in the country’s finances left by the Tories."

Things could also be set to get worse tomorrow as Ofgem is expected to announce a 10% price hike to the energy price cap.

Energy experts at Utility Bidder have examined official Government data to highlight the areas of England and Wales with the most, and least, energy-efficient dwellings.

Analysts looked at average energy consumption, CO2 emissions, heating costs, and hot water costs before awarding each local authority and region an 'Energy Efficiency Score' out of 10

Staffordshire Moorlands is due to be the worst affected area, with some pensioners set for an average annual heating cost rise of £1,809.

Powys, Westmorland and Furness, the Derbyshire Dales, and North Yorkshire all look set to see average increases in excess of £1,700.

Campaigns by groups such as Age UK have urged the government to scrap or reconsider the policy.

Top 10 areas with the highest average annual heating costs, according to Utility Bidder:

Staffordshire Moorlands - £1,809

Powys - £1,799

Westmorland and Furness - £1,764

Derbyshire Dales - £1,731

North Yorkshire - £1,700

Cotswold - £1,693

Rutland - £1,682

West Devon - £1,668

Stroud - £1,653

Ribble Valley - £1,652.