TWENTY-eight thousand pensioners. 28,000. Let that sink in for a moment.

That so many old people in Basingstoke will be affected by the Government's extraordinary decision to remove the winter fuel payment will astound many of us.

Not only will old people lose some £250 on average - to help fill, it appears, a sudden surprising black hole in the Treasury's books, the imminent raising of the Government's price cap will add another £150 to annual energy bills.

The silence from our esteemed new MP gives little hope for the future.

READ MORE: Residents have their say on changes to winter fuel payments

Indeed, the Government is only too keen to avoid any discussion about the biggest problem facing Britain, plus much of Europe - illegal immigration.

There may be over 500 people being maintained - at our expense, in local hotels, costing an estimated £75,000 per day. Thus, in just three months, the mounting cost would be the same as the now withdrawn Winter Fuel payment.

All this leaves a rather nasty taste in the mouth.

Hugh Sawyer

Foyle Park

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