MP Gideon Amos has stepped up his campaign to support elderly people in danger of losing their winter fuel payments ahead of ‘Fuel Poverty Awareness Day’ on Wednesday (November 27).

Mr Amos also called on the Government to freeze energy bills following Ofgem’s announcement that the energy price cap will rise again in January.

He wants to ensure as many people as possible are registered for pension credit, so they continue to receive their winter fuel payment.

Mr Amos said: “We all understand the wealthiest can manage without this payment, my mum used to give hers to charity.

“But some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable older people are being caught up in this and will lose vital funds to help them keep the heating on in the next few months.”

Mr Amos said the winter’s second energy price cap increase ‘will add insult to injury’ for those already struggling with the cost of living, ‘especially for those pensioners who do not get credits they are entitled to, and others on incomes not quite low enough to qualify’.

He said: “Frankly, the Government needs to step in to stop this price rise from going ahead.

“The big energy companies are still benefiting from massive price rises over the last few years and it is pensioners and those on the lowest incomes who need to be looked after this winter, not their wealthy overseas shareholders.”

Mr Amos said the Government’s own estimates showed 880,000 pensioners poor enough to receive pension credit were not registered, of whom about 2,000 could be local to Taunton and Wellington.

He said: “To claim, call 0800 99 1234 and staff at the Department of Work and Pensions will make your application for you.

“If that does not work, ring me on 01823 336666, or contact me at gideonamos.org.uk/contact and I will make sure you are able to apply.

“Even if you are only awarded 50p of pension credit, that will ensure you receive the winter fuel payment.

“Do not forget to do it before December 21, and claim for the maximum three months backdated.”