ALMOST nine in 10 pensioners living in absolute poverty will lose their winter fuel payments, ministers have admitted.
Labour was last night accused of an “utter disgrace” after revealing the true impact of the controversial policy.
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In response to a question from Tory MP Mel Stride, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds said that 1.4million OAPs in Britain are struggling in absolute poverty.
But she said only 200,000 – around 14 per cent – received pension credit, which is the new criteria for keeping winter fuel payments.
Mr Stride, the Shadow Welfare Secretary, told The Sun: “What an utter disgrace.
“We now know the vast majority of pensioners in poverty will see their Winter Fuel Payment snatched from them this winter.
“No wonder Labour ministers were so reluctant to answer basic questions about the impact of this policy.
“They have tried to claim those who really need support will still get it – they knew that was not true.”
The Government has been trying to get more eligible OAPs to sign up for pension credit amid fears 880,000 are not receiving the sum.