TENS of thousands of pensioners in the Cumberland Council area received government support to help heat their homes last winter, new figures show.

It comes as allowance cuts will see millions lose their winter fuel payments this year after Labour's controversial decision.

Charities have raised concerns about the upcoming changes to the winter fuel payment eligibility, which may leave millions of elderly people in dangerously cold homes.

Department for Work and Pensions figures show 61,087 pensioners in the Cumberland Council area received help in 2023-24, up from 60,029 the year before.

Across Great Britain, 11.6million elderly people in 8.5million households were paid between £250 and £600 last winter. This was an increase from 11.4 million in 2022-23.

The Government has revised the criteria for winter fuel payments, meaning those not receiving pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits will no longer be eligible for the allowance.

READ MORE: Cumberland council votes against motion on winter fuel payments

Separate DWP figures reveal around 74,400 pension credit claims were submitted in the eight weeks since July 29, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the change.

In the Cumberland Council area, 5,847 pensioners were in receipt of pension credit in February and will still qualify for the payment, based on the most recent data.

A government spokesperson said: "We are committed to supporting pensioners – with over 12 million set to see their state pension rise by £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock."