FUEL poverty campaigners have demanded urgent action in the forthcoming Autumn Statement to help people stay warm this winter amid concerns about government changes to energy bill support.

The call came as junior Treasury Minister Gareth Davies said today that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt would not deprive pensioners of winter fuel cash up to £600, following discussions on scrapping support for “wealthier” recipients.

However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed that the current welfare system was not “sustainable” when asked about government spending plans possibly including a squeeze on benefit payments.