A widow says people will die this winter because of a Tory government that does not care.
Sheila Correll, 80, says ministers have no idea how some pensioners are suffering as she told how she rations her food.
She skips meals, only uses the oven once a week and – despite her age – goes out running to warm up because she can’t afford to heat her home in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.
The ex-legal secretary said: “I’d like to make them come and live a year on our pension because they haven’t got a clue what it’s like.”
She added: “I’m lucky in one way because I’m fit enough to go out running but a lot of pensioners are stuck indoors. If this continues a lot of people are going to die over the next few months and I don’t think this government cares.”
Low-earning pensioners have been clobbered by record inflation fuelled by the war in Ukraine.
Energy bills have more than doubled in a year to an average annual price of £2,500 per household
The government's energy support scheme is due to end in April meaning millions will face even higher bills.
The price of basic food stuffs such as bread, milk and pasta has also sky-rocketed by as much as 60%, recent studies showed. The national inflation rate at a devastating 10.1%.
Despite this troubling backdrop, the Tories are still not committing to keeping the precious pensions triple lock.
It started in 2010 to make pensions rise by average earnings, inflation, or 2.5%, whichever is highest.
Rishi Sunak warned he could ditch the scheme after he became PM last month, which would leave millions of elderly people £472 a year worse off if they are denied a rise of 10%.
He last night hinted he would keep it but a decision has still not been made. Mr Sunak said: “I understand the particular challenge of pensioners. I care very much about pensioners.”
Sheila has backed the Mirror and Age UK’s call to preserve the triple lock on state pensions.
She lost her husband to cancer 30 years ago and now lives alone with her dog, two cats and parrot.
Unable to afford basic items, she’s resorted to “war-time” techniques she learnt as a child such as making her own butter.
She said: “I’m very scared about winter.
“I’ve worked all my life, for 60 years, and all that time you pay into the system and now it comes to this and they make you feel like some incumbent.
“You feel like you’re begging, it’s horrible.”
The Mirror has launched its Warm Hearts Christmas Appeal this winter, appealing to warm-hearted readers to ensure nobody is left out in the cold. You can give your support here
