Labour’s plans to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment for 10 million UK pensioners will force pensioners to choose between heating or eating this winter, Conservative Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire has stated.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stated that the winter fuel payments will now be restricted to those on pension credits or other means-tested benefits.

Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz says the decision to remove the payment support is callous and will directly impact those who need it the most.

Data from StatsWales has estimated that 18,000 pensioners in Pembrokeshire will miss out on the payment, with 25,000 pensioners in Carmarthenshire missing out. The total amount cut across the two counties will be £12.5million.

Commenting, Mr Kurtz said: “We know that rural housing is more often older and less well insulated and that 1 in 5 winter deaths are due to cold homes.

“This decision by a callous Labour Government in London will only punish pensioners, who have contributed to society their whole life, and force them to choose between heating or eating this winter.

“Any Labour MP who agrees with this plan is actively taking money away from vulnerable pensioners.”