Rachel Reeves has axed the up to £300 lifeline from pensioners this winter.
Pensioner Susan Mensforth feels that older people have been “chucked onto the scrap heap” by Labour’s decision to axe winter fuel payments.
The former accountant, 79, called Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to ditch the lifeline as “utter cruelty”.
Susan, from Buxton in North Derbyshire, said: “Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer need to remember that those who were born during or towards the second world war, we built up this country to what they are now enjoying and they just kick us in the teeth for it.”
“I was born towards the end of the second world war. We were brought up with rationing and bomb sites. I learnt to drive on a bomb site. Life was not easy and they just seem to think that OAPs can be chucked onto the scrap heap.”
Pensioner Susan Mensforth from Buxton fears she will freeze this winte (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Express)
Susan, who lives in a two bedroom flat, has yet to turn her heating on despite temperatures dipping as low as 7C.
She has been forced to alter her food shop for cheaper alternatives and plans to give less to charities this winter after the winter fuel axe.
She said: “I live in Buxton which is one of the coldest towns in this country. Buxton itself is 1,000 feet up and I’m out in the middle surrounded by hills. The cold weather just drops down into Buxton. The temperature inside at the moment is 16C.
“If you’re a pensioner, you can’t take on extra hours to earn more money. You’re stuck on that pension.”
Susan, whose pension income is about £17,000 a year, had a serious car accident 20 years ago which damaged her back.
She also has balance issues since last year when she became seriously ill and needed abdominal surgery.
Susan, who also took 10 years off work to care for her parents, said: “I do have savings of not a huge amount, but which helps. However I support various charities, mainly to do with music, and will be cutting back on that support, which is sad.
“The cut off point for the winter fuel allowance has been set far too low. I only have pension income of about £17,000 a year. I have got savings so I am luckier than other people.”
When asked what her reaction was to the axing of the winter fuel payment, Susan said: “I was absolutely horrified, especially when Ms Reeves said they’re having to do it to stop a run on the pound.”
