Almost 6,000 residents aged over 80 in Glastonbury and Somerton are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments following cuts by the government, according to figures released on 24th September.

Local MP Sarah Dyke has urged ministers to reconsider their decision, warning that thousands of elderly residents could be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter. Ms Dyke, representing the Liberal Democrats, called for action to "protect vulnerable pensioners" in light of the new data.

The figures show that 5,959 pensioners over the age of 80 in the constituency, who do not receive pension credit, stand to lose their entitlement to Winter Fuel Payments unless they qualify for other benefits.

Winter fuel payments, introduced in 1997, are designed to help pensioners with their heating bills. Previously, anyone of state pension age could receive between £100 and £300 tax-free each winter. However, only pensioners on certain benefits, such as pension credit, will qualify this year under new government plans.

Payments will now be worth £200 for households receiving pension credit, with those over 80 receiving £300. The move is expected to cut support for around 10 million people.

Charities, including Age UK, have criticised the cuts, warning that many vulnerable pensioners could struggle to stay warm this winter.

Last year, pensioners over 80 in Glastonbury and Somerton received a total of £1,655,700 in Winter Fuel Payments, while all pensioners in the constituency received £3,914,300 in support. These figures are expected to fall sharply following the cuts.

In total, 21,892 pensioners across the area who do not receive pension credit are at risk of losing this vital support. Age UK has warned that up to 2.5 million pensioners could face serious difficulties this winter due to the cuts.

Ms Dyke said: "Thousands of pensioners here in Glastonbury and Somerton 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 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."

Ms Dyke added, "Cutting these payments for thousands of my constituents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.

"It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Glastonbury and Somerton this winter."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said Labour uncovered an overspend of £22bn, attributed to unfunded plans announced by the Conservatives.

She defended the decision to means-test the benefit during a speech at the Labour Conference yesterday. In her address, Reeves stated: "I know that not everyone in this hall or in the country will agree with every decision that I make. I will not duck those decisions, not for political expediency, not for personal advantage."