Local councillors across Bolton are among those protesting against Labour’s DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy following a petition with 450,000 signatures calling for the changes to be axed.

The benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK born before September 25, 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.

The Treasury said the 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.

Cllr John Walsh said: “The petition shows the huge strength of public concern regarding the attack on pensioners.

“Cutting the winter fuel payment will hit both individual pensioners as well as businesses and create long-term issues for Bolton’s economy.

“This is an attack on vulnerable pensioners and it’s totally unacceptable to hit them with this hidden cost especially before wintertime, when fuel prices will go up.”

Cllr Hilary Fairclough said: “I would urge people to sign the petition even though I would be surprised if it was successful.

“But it is a marker to the government and our local MPs of just how unhappy people are that this was announced with such haste, it must surely mean it was always on their agenda during the election campaign.

“If they had announced a review and looked at the whole issue with a view to making the changes next year most people would have understood this.

“But the way they have slashed the payment with such glee is very hard to accept.

“Of course they haven’t cut MPs heating allowances which I’m told can be several thousands of pounds worth a year for each MP, shows why many people believe we have a two tier system.”