MORE than 200,000 people in Cheshire received winter fuel payments last year.

New statistics released by the Department for Work and Pensions has revealed how many pensioners received financial support during the 2023-24 winter.

Across the country, 11.6 million people received a tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 - a figure that has steadily increased in recent years.

This includes 16,565 people in the Labour-held Mid Cheshire constituency.

The Government’s recent decision to means-test the payment will result in it being taken away from around 10 million previously eligible pensioners.

Andrew Cooper, the newly-elected MP for Mid Cheshire, was among those to back this plan.

Explaining his decision, he said: "I made the difficult decision to vote with the government on changes to the winter fuel payments. This is because I strongly believe extra help should be based on need rather than age.

"The previous government was dishonest with people, making promises they couldn't pay for. I won't do that.

"The difficult but necessary decisions taken now will deliver the economic stability we need to grow our economy and deliver improved living conditions for all."

Cheshire recipients of winter fuel payments in 2023-24 by parliamentary constituency

  • Cheshire Mid (Lab) 16,565

  • Chester North & Neston (Lab) 19,283

  • Chester South & Eddisbury (Con) 22,296

  • Congleton (Lab) 21,380

  • Crewe & Nantwich (Lab) 19,995

  • Ellesmere Port & Bromborough (Lab) 17,318

  • Macclesfield (Lab) 21,769

  • Runcorn & Helsby (Lab) 18,742

  • Tatton (Con) 21,765

  • Warrington North (Lab) 17,762

  • Warrington South (Lab) 18,131

  • Widnes & Halewood (Lab) 16,553