THROUGHOUT the 2010 General Election campaign, David Cameron said Labour was trying to scare older voters by saying that his party would cut the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Labour ensured that the older residents could afford to heat their homes in the winter with payments worth £250 for the over 60s, and £400 for the over 80s.

However in the Budget, Chancellor George Osborne showed how little he cared by lowering the payments £200 and £300 for the two age groups in the winter of 2011-12. Rather than announce this measure in the House, it was hidden away in the small print.

It is obvious that neither he nor Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, understand how this will cut will be detrimental to older residents health.

Saving money by cutting help with fuel payments will lead to increased healthcare costs when older people are hospitalised due to fuel poverty related illnesses.

I would urge all those affected to write to their MP to express their concern over this cruel cut which takes place at a time of rising bills and colder winters.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, Labour spokesperson for health, housing and adult social services, Salisbury Road, York.