An MP is urging the government to rethink the cut in winter fuel payment which, he says, is 'simply wrong'.

Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage, said the issue has brought in the largest amount of correspondence from constituents.

Winter fuel payments for 10million pensioners are to be cut in a move which will affect nearly 17,000 people in Didcot.

The payments worth up to £300 help with heating bills in the cold winter months. 

The charity Age UK has said people will struggle to afford their energy bills as a result with the average energy bill set to rise by £149 a year from October.

Mr Glover said: "The proposed changes to winter fuel allowance has been one of the biggest sources of constituent correspondence in recent weeks. 

"I have given my support to a Liberal Democrat motion seeking to stop the changes. 

"I also call on the government to look at the long-term causes of energy poverty.

"Investing in home insulation programmes and solar panels on homes will help to reduce energy bills."

Lib Dem MP for Didcot and Wantage Olly Glover (Image: Contributed)

Only those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive Winter Fuel Payment this year and beyond.

According to figures compiled by the House of Commons Library, based on data from the Department of Work and Pensions, 115,106  pensioners in Oxfordshire are at risk of losing the allowance because they are not receiving pension credit.

In Lib Dem constituencies of Didcot & Wantage it affects 16,884 people, Henley & Thame: 20,219, Witney: 17,272, Bicester & Woodstock: 16,781 and Oxford West & Abingdon: 15,819.

All Oxfordshire's Liberal Democrat MPs Mr Glover, Layla Moran, Freddie Van Mierlo, Charlie Maynard and Calum Miller are backing a motion to block the plans due to be put before parliament as soon as it returns this week.

In a joint statement Mr Glover, Layla Moran, Olly Glover, Freddie Van Mierlo, Charlie Maynard and Calum Miller, said: “We’ve heard from countless pensioners across Oxfordshire worried about losing this vital support and how they will afford their energy bills this winter. 

“Stripping support from many of the poorest pensioners in Oxfordshire just when energy bills are set to rise again is simply wrong.

"It could force vulnerable elderly people in our community to choose between eating and heating this winter."

According to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the cut is necessary as the government needs to find £22bn to plug the country's finances.

The Lib Dem MPs said: “We recognise that the new government faces difficult choices after the appalling mess left by the Conservatives.

"But a rethink is urgently needed so that poorer and vulnerable pensioners in our community continue to get the support they so desperately need.”

As well as the expected rise in fuel costs coming into the winter months, the average household energy bill is to increase by £149 from October after Ofgem said it was increasing its price cap.

Age UK Oxfordshire is urging older people to check whether they are entitled to pension credit or other qualifying benefits.

CEO Paul Ringer said: “Recent data shows that thousands of older people in Oxfordshire are eligible for, but not claiming, pension credit.

“We know that pensioners tend to do everything possible to avoid going into debt, so if they are worried about their future energy bills, some ration their fuel use and economise by reducing their spending on other essentials.

"This proposed policy change is therefore certain to result in more older people experiencing a horrible 'eating or heating' dilemma.

“We urge people to check their eligibility, or that of family members, to ensure they can benefit from both the Winter Fuel Payment, and the other financial support that comes in the form of Pension Credit.”

You can apply for Pension Credit online (www.gov.uk/pension-credit) or by phone (0800 99 1234).