MILLIONS of people will miss out on vital support to help pay their energy bills, a south Essex MP has claimed, after winter fuel payments were restricted by the new Chancellor.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in the House of Commons that winter fuel payments have been scrapped for pensioners who are not on benefits.

The winter fuel payments were given to pensioners in a bid to help them afford their energy bills during the colder months.

Dame Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Castle Point, said: “The new Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that the winter fuel payment will be means tested and only available to those receiving pension credit or certain benefits.

“I believe this decision is entirely wrong, denying millions of people support with their energy bills. I have long campaigned for the uptake of pension credit, but particularly following today’s announcement I want to make sure every single pensioner in Castle Point, who is eligible, is receiving this wraparound benefit.

“Pension credit, which averages over £3,900 support a year, is there for those above state pension age and on a low income to lend a hand with your everyday expenses, boosting your weekly earnings and giving you access to extra benefits.

“Many people assume it is automatic and that you don’t have to apply for it so they never check, only to discover they can receive thousands of pounds in support when they do.”

Echo readers, posting on Facebook, also expressed their concern, with Vivien Clark branding it “absolutely disgusting”.

Tina Freeman stated it is “a total disgrace”, whilst Neal Warren added: “Once again hit the soft target of pensioners”.

Despite the concerns, Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, said tough decisions needed to be made. He said: “Labour are having to deal with the worst economy inheritance in living memory. The Tories crashed the economy and tough decisions have to be made.

“The Prime Minister was honest about that in the election campaign, and he won the second largest landslide in British electoral history.

“The sooner we can return the economy to growth, the sooner we can introduce more schemes that benefit more people. This is grown-up politics and it has long been needed.”