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Pensioners are considering riding on a bus in a bid to keep warm following cuts to the winter fuel payment, MPs have heard.

Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins said several Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituents have written to her to express concerns, with an elderly couple saying they will “slip through the net and are considering going around on a bus to keep warm in winter”.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell (York Central) welcomed Government moves to encourage more people to sign up to pension credit to ensure they receive the winter fuel payment, but said there is a “nine-week wait” once the 243-question application has been submitted.

She told a Westminster Hall debate: “Charities say it can’t be done in time, there is a reason why 37% of those eligible haven’t claimed it. It’s complex, there’s pride, some have dementia and complex needs, others simply find the thought too stressful, but please sign up.”

Ms Maskell added: “Demand on GPs sadly will rise, queues at A&Es will grow, more beds occupied in the NHS, and social care under more demand. Tragically, according to UCL and the Institute of Health Equity, there were 4,950 excess winter deaths due to cold homes under the previous government.

“I feel sick to the stomach each time I repeat this reality as I can’t process how governments past did not protect these vulnerable people. Labour must be different. We need mitigation, as we must protect those under our care or what is the point of power?”

Source: telegraph.co.uk