THE Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council has expressed alarm at changes to winter fuel payments that could see tens of thousands of older people miss out.

It comes after the new Labour Government confirmed that from this autumn, those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer get the annual payments, worth between £100 and £300.

It is estimated that across the country around 10 million pensioners – including 70,000 in Northumberland – will lose their payments.

The Government has received significant criticism for the move. However, it has defended the decision and argued “tough choices” had to be made due to the financial state of the country.

Northumberland’s Tory leader Cllr Glen Sanderson said the council was working with partners to highlight the support available

He said: “These figures are alarming and I’m extremely worried for the tens of thousands of pensioners throughout Northumberland who may suffer in the months ahead. Our own analysis has revealed an estimated 70,000 plus older residents could be disadvantaged for saving up over their working lives towards their retirement.

“If the price of fuel increases this winter as some predict then the implications are very worrying, but we as a council, along with our partners, are doing all we can to help. We’re being pro-active – we knew we had to take action immediately.

“These are very worrying times for many of our most vulnerable, but we remain committed to doing everything we can to support all our residents both now and in the future.”

Cllr Sanderson also explained that the county’s network of “warm spaces” was ready to open doors for residents this winter. The spaces will be fully equipped with a pack containing consistent pension credit, winter fuel and ‘keeping warm’ information to share with all residents.

Responding to Cllr Sanderson’s comments, a spokesman for the Labour Party said: “We know these are tough choices, especially on winter fuel. They are not the choices we wanted to make or expected to make, but they were the right choices to put our country on a firmer footing.

“Because by taking the tough decisions now to protect the public finances we can begin the process of change. This Government will protect the triple lock on pensions, which saw the basic state rise by £900 this year and a further rise will be announced at the Budget next month.

“We are under no illusions – especially after advice from officials – that if no action had been taken to repair the Conservatives’ black hole then it would have put financial stability at risk, including the risk of higher debt, higher mortgages and higher costs for the future. This Government was not prepared to let that happen.”

Northumberland Labour leader Cllr Scott Dickinson added: “Obviously it is a difficult one. The Government has had to take action because of the financial mismanagement of the previous Government.

“All of our new Northumberland Labour MPs have been holding surgeries and advice sessions. Some pensioners have been made thousands of pounds better off by having their benefits checked.

“Lots of people had come away much better off because they didn’t realise half of the things that were out there to support them.”