The Government’s plan to cut the numbers entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment has proved divisive in Salisbury.

Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that the government would be introducing a means test for the winter fuel payment.

That policy is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the payment by 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving some £1.4 billion this financial year.

More than 90 per cent of people previously entitled to the £200 to £300 payment are now ineligible in Wiltshire, with under eight thousand able to make a future claim.

Maddy GrantMaddy Grant (Image: Newsquest)

Mandy Grant, 68, said: “It would have been lovely to have had it, I would have been entitled, but I do think that in this time, when money is so short, it should go to the people who really deserve it.”

Questioned about people who are not on pension credit, but who would have greatly benefited from the allowance, she added: “That is a difficult one, but, I think, you have to have some kind of criteria.

“I think they’ve probably done the best they can.”

The Chancellor’s plans for the Winter Fuel Payment were condemned by Mary Saunders, a pensioner who called the proposal "disgusting".

Mrs Saunders, a pensioner who is concerned about the cost of living, said: “She’s [Reeve] has taken it away and it's going on other things that aren’t so beneficial.”

“My husband’s got arthritis. He feels the cold.”

John Noble, 74, was concerned about people, like Mrs Saunders, who would feel the bite from the Chancellor’s cuts.

Although not concerned for his own welfare, the pensioner said: “I don’t think it should be scrapped, a lot of people need it.”

From winter 2024 only people on benefits and Pension Credit can apply.

To qualify for pension credit, you need to be above the state pension age and have an income under £218.15 a week, or less than £332.95 as a joint weekly income with your partner.

Savings are also taken into account when determining eligibility, with only those with £10,000 or less unaffected.

For more information, head to the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment webpage.