New figures reveal the number of people who received the winter fuel payment during the winter of 2023/24 in each parliamentary constituency in Britain.

Statistics show the number of people who received the payment last winter was 214,000 more than the 11.4 million in 2022-23, and it has steadily risen from 11.1 million in 2020-21.

The figures have been published by the Department for Work & Pensions.

The name of the political party that currently represents each constituency is given in brackets.

For Bolton and the surrounding areas, the numbers are as follows:

Bolton North East (Lab) 19,569

Bury North (Lab) 19,100

Wigan (Lab) 19,039

Leigh & Atherton (Lab) 18,803

Bolton West (Lab) 18,701

Bury South (Lab) 16,303

Bolton South & Walkden (Lab) 15,025

Manchester Central (Lab) 9,969

Manchester Withington (Lab) 9,891

Manchester Rusholme (Lab) 6,241

A conference showdown on the issue is expected today as Unite and the Communication Workers Union have put forward motions to debate the policy and push for its reversal.

Opposition has grown in Bolton to the government’s controversial plan to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners.

This week elderly protesters staged a demonstration against the planned cut outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.

The latest change to the £300 cost of living boost comes after it was announced in July that almost 10 million people who previously qualified for the support now wouldn’t.

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.

Cllr John Walsh said: “This is an unnecessary and vindictive act in removing universal payments. It will badly hit those who are in greatest need at a time when fuel payments are going up.

“People will suffer health and financial issues as a consequence.

“There’s also less money for businesses due to a multiplier effect as people will spend less in shops and therefore businesses will take less money.

“Rather than just missing out on the £300, these cuts will take several thousands of pounds out of Bolton’s economy.

“I have also spoken to people who are better off and don’t necessarily need all of the allowance. They told me that they donate it to charity to support others, such as urban aid, who do a valuable job in supporting the vulnerable.

“These cuts will have negative effects across the whole sector of Bolton’s economy.”

Bolton pensioners have also voiced their anger at plans to scrap the winter fuel allowance for all but some.

Members of  Bolton and District Pensioners Association have been staging a campaign to stop the policy from being implemented  - saying the elderly have had no time to plan and fuel bills are set to rise.