A LEADING trade union is taking steps for urgent legal action against the government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments to all but the poorest of pensioners as temperatures drop.

Unite revealed today that it has formally applied to the High Court for leave to go forward with a full judicial review of the plan.

General secretary Sharon Graham said Labour’s decision to “pick the pocket of pensioners was wrong on every level,” adding: “The government has been given every opportunity to reverse its decision and has failed to do so.

“This is a rushed, ill-thought-out policy and the government clearly failed to follow the proper legal measures before executing it.

“With winter approaching the courts must now hold the government to account and reverse this cruel cut as quickly as possible.”

The High Court application is on behalf of Unite and 11 of its members, all of whom have been excluded from receiving further payments.

End Poverty Coalition co-ordinator Simon Francis said the government has been forced to admit that the cuts will force tens of thousands into poverty.

He said: “This is just the tip of the iceberg of suffering, which is why we support the legal challenges being brought against the government.”

Those losing payments this year include 1.2 million pensioners in absolute poverty and 1.6m disabled older people, he said.

“Ministers’ long-term plans to get us to boost energy security with renewables and improved energy efficiency are especially welcome as people realise how crucial a well-insulated and ventilated home is during a cold snap,” Mr Francis said.

“But as well as fully funding this plan, the Chancellor must also bring forward more support for those most at risk — such as a social tariff which is strongly backed by the public.”

National Pensioners Convention general secretary Jan Shortt also voiced support for Unite’s action, warning that the cut is “causing real hardship now that temperatures are falling.”

She said: “Those who have switched off their heating, lighting or any combination of vital equipment to save money are in danger of falling physically ill.

“We are stunned that [Work and Pensions Secretary] Liz Kendall thinks it acceptable that older people can be the collateral damage for her government’s decision — a decision taken against their manifesto, without any consultation or thought for older people, and circumventing parliamentary scrutiny.”