A CHARITY has launched a campaign in a bid to help thousands of older people keep their winter fuel payments.

Last week, the Government won a vote on its plans to remove the payments from 10 million pensioners in England and Wales.

The decision means that only those on Pension Credit or some other benefits in England and Wales will receive winter fuel payments, saving around £1.5 billion a year.

According to Age UK, more than 12,500 older people across the Bradford district could still keep the "essential support" this winter because they are known to be eligible for Pension Credit but do not currently claim it.  

The charity has now launched a campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit and how to apply for it.   

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible for Pension Credit.

It is worth on average £3,900 a year and can also open doors to further financial help, including winter fuel payments worth up to £300 as well as housing costs, council tax and heating bills.

To apply for Pension Credit, people need their National Insurance number and details of income and pensions and any money, savings and investments for the previous three months.

For further information on who is eligible for Pension Credit and to find out how to apply, visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call the Pension Credit Claims Enquiry line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm) .

Anna Dixon, Labour MP for Shipley - who voted in favour of winter fuel payment cuts last week - said: "Everyone should speak to their family members and friends to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit or other benefits and support them in applying."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "The dire state of the public finances we inherited from the previous Government means we've had to make some very difficult decisions.

"Our commitment to supporting pensioners remains, which is why we are maintaining the triple lock.

"We want pensioners to get the support they are entitled to. That's why I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit."

Mel Stride, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, dismissed the Chancellor's claim that the Tories had left a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances - describing this as a "complete myth".