A Cumbrian charity has branded the government's decision to stop winter fuel payments to some elderly people as "another blow" to those hit by the cost of living crisis. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced earlier this week that winter fuel payments to pensioners who are not in receipt of Pension Credit, or other means-tested benefits, will be axed in a bid to fill a £20 billion black hole in public spending. 

The decision has been criticised by charities that support older people such as Age UK and the Cumbria Community Foundation. 

Andy Beeforth OBE, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: "We are hugely disappointed and saddened to hear of the Government's decision to scrap the winter fuel payments for pensioners. For so many elderly people, particularly in Cumbria, these payments save them from being forced to choose between heating and eating.

"The cost of living crisis has hit those already struggling to survive the hardest, and this decision is another blow. It will drive more people into fuel poverty and put even more pressure on charities and organisations which are already stretched to the limit trying to support those in need."

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People in receipt of the following benefits will still be eligible for winter fuel payments: income support, income-based job seeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, and universal credit. 

In recent years, warm hubs have popped up across the county as a way to support people who are struggling with the cost of heating their homes during winter. 

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Charities like the Cumbria Community Foundation also offer further financial help to older people who are finding it difficult to afford to keep warm. 

"Even these payments alone are often not enough, and each year Cumbria Community Foundation launches its Winter Warmth Appeal to try and help supplement the payments for those who are hardest hit," added Mr Beeforth.

“We now expect to see an increase in demand from older people needing support through our Winter Warmth Fund as they now won’t be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment."