good evening this is Jesse Williams with blitz news tonight we're diving into a developing story that has sparked widespread concern across the UK prime minister Kier storer's recent decision to means test the winter fuel payment has been met with sharp criticism from campaigners and Charities alike who warned that this move could trigger a public health emergency with energy bills expected to soar this winter many pensioners now face the Grim reality of choosing between heating their homes or putting food on the table the government's plan to cut back on these vital payments is seen as a step to far with critics arguing that older people should not be bearing the brunt of these austerity measures campaigners highlight that the reduction in support could exacerbate existing health issues among the elderly particularly those living with disabilities or chronic conditions the risk of living in cold damp homes could lead to increased pressure on an already overstretched NHS and in some tragic cases could contribute to additional winter deaths as the situation unfolds we'll continue to bring you the latest updates and reactions stay tuned to blitz news for more on this critical story thank you for watching