A pensioner has said he fears he will ‘freeze of cold’ as Government is set to cut the winter fuel payment for OAPs. 

David Moss, 72, is scrambling to find spare pennies as he is no longer eligible for help with his energy bills.

In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the payment – previously given to all pensioners - would only be given to those on certain benefits or low incomes.

MPs are due to debate and vote on the move today. If approved, more than 10 million people will no longer receive the benefit.

Among them is Mr Moss who said he now regrets retiring aged 68.

Southampton pensioner David Moss cannot afford to buy new clothes if winter fuel payments are cutSouthampton pensioner David Moss cannot afford to buy new clothes if winter fuel payments are cut (Image: David Moss)

Mr Moss, who lives alone in a two-bedroom flat in Castle House, said: “I am concerned about how I am going to manage.

“I retired when I was 68, but I wish I had kept on working now. I was a pub landlord, then I worked for Mencap for 10 years.

“There was no warning about the winter fuel payment and it is going to be difficult for me this winter.

“So many of my friends and I are just over the limit to claim pension credit, and I can’t claim it because I have a small pension of £85 a month.

“But that amount is nothing, especially when I am already charged £36 a week for use of my storage heaters by Southampton City Council.

“I also pay around £1,000 a year for electricity.”

He added: “It is ridiculous that the government is taking more money away from pensioners.

“I do not know what I am going to do.”

READ MORE: Winter Fuel Payment update as Rishi Sunak backs proposals for commons vote

Mr Moss said he has been shopping at charity shops since the cost-of-living crisis, but now has no choice to buy second-hand as he cannot afford new clothes.

He can no longer afford birthday and Christmas presents, along with social outings with friends.

He said: “When you live on your own, news like this is more concerning as I fear I will freeze of cold, and no one will be here.

“I am six storeys up and it is beautiful with the views over Southampton, but it is not as beautiful in the winter when the wind is howling through the windows.

“The whole situation has made me worried, especially about affording to pay my bills.

“I have got rid of my landline to save money. I have never missed a bill payment and I have a good credit rating, but with less money coming in and more going out it is touch and go.

“I don’t know if I can afford it. All my savings have gone.

“Yes, there are so called ‘millionaire pensioners’ but most of us are not.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer argued the cut - expected to save the Treasury £1.4bn this financial year - is necessary.

This year the winter fuel payment totals £200 for those on certain benefits and born between September 23, 1944, and September 22, 1958.

For those born before September 23, 1944, and on certain benefits, it is worth £300.