Charities sound alarm as government analysis shows 50,000 more people in relative fuel poverty next year – and another 50,000 by 2030

Cuts to the winter fuel allowance could force 100,000 pensioners in England and Wales into relative fuel poverty, government analysis has shown, as ministers come under mounting pressure over a number of measures in last month’s budget.

Internal government modelling shows the decision to remove the benefit from millions of pensioners will push about 50,000 more people into relative poverty next year, and another 50,000 by the end of the decade.