DEVON County Council is to call on Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves to rethink her decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners. 

Councillors voted in favour of writing to the Chancellor asking for a new threshold to be brought in so more pensioners will receive the payment. 

Under Labour’s move, 10 million pensioners - more than 180,500 in Devon - will lose the payment of between £200 and £300. 

The decision comes as MPs are set to vote tomorrow on whether to limit the winter fuel payment to those on pension credit. 

Cllr Alan Connett, Lib Dem councillor for Exminster, who is vice chairman of the council’s health and adult care scrutiny committee, was one of those calling for more protection for pensioners.

Thousands across Devon are likely to be hit if the payment is axed. 

Cllr Connett said: ‘This is a cold, callous decision by the new Labour Government - and one they must urgently reconsider. 

‘More than 180,500 pensioners in Devon will lose the Fuel Payments which are being restricted to those receiving Pension Credit.

‘Undoubtedly, there are better-off pensioners who neither need nor want the Winter Fuel Payments.

‘They would prefer that if they are to lose the payments, it went to help those in greatest need.’

Nationally, 880,000 pensioners do not claim Pension Credit they are entitled to. If they did claim, they would also get the Winter Fuel Payment. 

Councillors voted to call on the Chancellor to set a new threshold so more pensioners will continue to receive the payment. 

Cllr Connett added: ‘We also want to ensure all Pensioners in Devon who could get, but don't now claim Pension Credit, put in an application as soon as possible.’

He said: ‘If you think you are entitled to Pension Credit, then please claim. If you know someone who might be entitled, please encourage them to apply.

‘I very much hope the new Labour Government spares pensioners the dreadful decision of choosing between eating or heating this winter.’

Charities such as Age UK and unions have criticised the plan.

Parliament will vote on the proposal tomorrow but it is believed up to 50 Labour MPs could abstain.