LABOUR'S plan to take the winter fuel allowance away from millions of pensioners has been described as "evil" by a former monk.

Kevin McGrath, 81, said he is "deeply concerned about the winter".

Recovering from an eye operation at his home in Corby, Northamptonshire, he spoke of his dismay and frustration with Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decision to scrap the benefit for millions.

He told Sky News: "Of all the wealth in Britain, they target the ones who have very little in life."

Kevin and his wife recently moved into a small, two-bedroom apartment to cut down on energy bills.

Neither have a private pension and their only source of income is their state pension.

In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that from this winter, pensioners in England and Wales will no longer be entitled to the winter fuel payment unless they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.

"I fully understand that the government has difficult decisions to make, but why are they starting at the bottom, why don't they start at the top. It's evil. It's a crime," said Kevin.

"Who decides that we haven't got enough money to live on? I speak to my friends who tell me they are ashamed and embarrassed to have to go through this process. These are people who have worked all of their lives."

To be eligible, Kevin will have to apply to see if he meets the criteria to continue to receive the benefit, something he says is a source of embarrassment among older people.

The government says the move will help them plug an estimated £22bn black hole in the public finances.

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Independent Age chief executive Joanna Elson CBE said: "This data from our helpline clearly shows that many people in later life are worried about the UK government's decision to limit the winter fuel payment to those that receive pension credit.

"The people we speak to are frightened about losing a vital lifeline this winter, many are struggling on a low income and will be forced to make drastic cutbacks.

"Others tell us it is the first time they have reached out for support, as the winter ahead feels very bleak."