Widow Carole has told how the future “looks pretty bleak to me” following Rachel Reeves’ decision to axe the winter fuel payment.
The retired administrative worker, 86, lives alone in social housing in Christchurch, Dorset, where rent has rocketed from £928 a month to £1,075.
She said: “I don’t think the Chancellor has given much thought to anything in that budget. She certainly hasn’t considered older people. The future looks pretty bleak to me.
“I don’t want to think about what might happen. I’m just praying for a mild winter.
“I already keep my heating on low, but I guess I’ll be forced to reduce that further this year.”
Carole, whose two retired sons live overseas, depends on a wheelchair and is housebound because of her disabilities.
She told how a good friend has kindly offered to provide food for her and does not accept money in return.
Carole said: “I’ve got a blanket over my legs at the minute and I’m wearing sweaters obviously to keep warm. I usually have my window open and luckily we’re not cold here on the south coast yet. It’s still fairly mild but I’m dreading it getting colder. I really am.”
She receives a significantly reduced UK state pension of £370 a month after spending 30 years working in America.
While Carole does receive an American pension, this can vary dramatically with the exchange rate.
The retiree also receives an attendance allowance, which she uses to pay for her carer.
Carole said: “This triple lock [Rachel Reeves] seems to think is the be-all and end-all but it’s not. It doesn’t help people like me who aren’t on a full pension.
“To be honest, I’m struggling here. I really needed that winter fuel payment. I felt confident having that behind me now I don’t feel confident at all. I’m dreading the winter. But I’m 86 so maybe I’ll die, I don’t know.”
Her bills have also increased substantially in recent years, with her electric bill now at roughly £85 a month.
Carole, who does not qualify for pension credit, returned to the UK in 2004 after her husband passed away.