Pensioners are feeling more ill and depressed after Labour’s winter fuel payment cuts, according to new polling.
The survey conducted by trade union Unite of almost 6,000 of its retired members found two thirds have turned down the heating this year due to the controversial policy.
One in four said they were feeling more depressed, stressed or anxious, while 18% said they have become ill or their symptoms have worsened.
Some 16% said they have cut back on the number of hot meals they eat, while 11% have felt hungry more often.
Around a third are taking fewer baths or showers, and 16% are relying on public places to keep warm.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our survey shows that pensioners are suffering real-life effects of this needless cut to winter fuel allowance.
“They are shivering at home, having to go without bathing or without meals. Retirees should be able to live with dignity after a lifetime of work.
“Instead of picking the pocket of pensioners, the government should be looking at a wealth tax that targets the very richest in society.”
The poll comes as Unite is set to stage a protest in Westminster today against the policy of restricting the winter fuel allowance to only those on pension credit.
The union, which has launched legal action in a bid to overturn the axe, will drop a banner from Westminster Bridge as part of the demonstration.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Image: Getty)
It comes as the Labour Government has faced an ongoing backlash for stripping around 10 million OAPs of the previously universal payments.
Ministers blamed a £22 billion black hole in the public finances left by the Tories, which they have denied.
But the move has been widely condemned by charities, opposition parties, unions and some Labour politicians.
The Daily Express has demanded that Chancellor Rachel Reeves reinstates the payments of up to £300 a year to all pensioners.
A Government spokesperson said: “We do not want to see anyone suffering this winter, which is why we have continued the Warm Home Discount and extended the Household Support Fund which will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.
“We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.
“In addition, in November Energy UK, in collaboration with the Government, published a Winter 2024 Commitment which promises £500m of industry support to billpayers this winter.”
