BURY North MP David Chaytor is backing calls for the Government to extend its winter fuel payment to severely disabled people.

He is one of a group of MPs concerned that one million disabled people below the age of 60 are not eligible for the £200 payment yet cannot afford to heat their homes properly.

Mr Chaytor said: "The winter fuel payment has been welcomed and demonstrates a commitment to ensure elderly people are not afraid to turn up the heat when it is cold.

"But there are others for whom the cold can also be life-threatening. Difficulty in being able to move and poor circulation make many disabled people susceptible to cold weather.

"Under this proposal, the winter fuel payment would be extended to severely disabled people who receive the middle or higher rate of the Disability Living Allowance care component or the higher rate of the mobility component."