The benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK who was born before 25 September 1957 to help cover their heating costs.

However, from this winter only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get the Winter Fuel Payment - those on the credit will get £200 and £300 if someone is over 80.

The Treasury said the winter fuel changes would see the number of pensioners receiving the payments fall from 11.4 million to 1.5 million – so just under 10 million would miss out.

(Image: Getty/Daisy Daisy)

They added that about £1.5 billion will be saved per year by targeting winter fuel payments.

Age UK, who said the decision would see millions of pensioners unable to heat their homes this winter, set up a petition calling on the Government to scrap the change.

The petition has now received more than 370,000 signatures.

It reads: “Cutting the Winter Fuel Payment this........

© Norwich Evening News