A Southend MP has questioned Government on what options they are “looking at” regarding the lengthy form which pensioners must fill out to secure their winter fuel payments.

Pensions minister Emma Reynolds acknowledged the application process was “very long”, as she also faced calls to say whether an alleged pension credit claims backlog will be cleared “before older people start having to make the choice between heating and eating.”

David Burton-Sampson, the Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, asked: “What steps is (Ms Reynolds) taking to ensure claiming for pension credit is as simple as possible?”

Speaking to the house on Monday, Ms Reynolds said: “We are looking at the form.

“Ninety percent of applicants now apply online but we know that the paper form is very long and we’re looking to see what we can do to simplify it.”

Pensioners currently face having to fill in a 243-question application to claim pension credit, which will unlock winter fuel payments of up to £300.

The Government shrunk the previously universal winter fuel payments scheme this year, which the Government has said would help plug a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances.