A worrying new graph shows how calls to a charity for the elderly helpline have rocketed since Labour came to power on July 4.
Heartbreakingly pensioners are seeking more and more advice as Chancellor Rachel Reeves axed winter fuel payments for millions and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned of a painful Autumn Budget on October 30.
In the chart above a huge spike in calls can clearly be seen for the months of July and August with the numbers phoning for advice far higher than the same time last year.
In data shared with Sky News, charity Independent Age revealed they are seeing more and more pensioners coming to them worried about “drastic” government cutbacks.
Independent Age chief executive Joanna Elson CBE told the news channel: “This data from our helpline clearly shows that many people in later life are worried about the UK government’s decision to limit the winter fuel payment to those that receive pension credit.
“The people we speak to are frightened about losing a vital lifeline this winter, many are struggling on a low income and will be forced to make drastic cutbacks.
“Others tell us it is the first time they have reached out for support, as the winter ahead feels very bleak.”
From this winter, only people on pension credit or certain other benefits will receive winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, while about 10 million others are set to be stripped of the allowance.
Labour has claimed the move is necessary to help fill a “£22 billion black hole” in the public finances inherited from the Conservative government.
Kevin McGrath, 81, a former social worker and Catholic monk, from Corby, Northants, told Sky News he was “deeply concerned about the winter” and that taking the winter fuel payments from pensioners was “evil”.
He added: “Of all the wealth in Britain, they target the ones who have very little in life.”
“I fully understand that the government has difficult decisions to make, but why are they starting at the bottom, why don’t they start at the top. It’s evil. It’s a crime.”
A government spokesperson told Sky News it is “committed to supporting pensioners”, adding over 12 million people will see their state pension rise by £1,700 this parliament because of the triple lock.
They said: “Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it’s right we target support to those who need it most.
“We urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to pension credit to check their eligibility and have already seen a 115 percent increase in claims following the launch of our awareness campaign.”
