Campaigners have said this threshold is too low, and will put two million vulnerable pensioners at risk of missing out. Labour now also faces legal action over the changes as Unite, the party’s biggest union backer, makes an application to the High Court.

Every pensioner household in Scotland will receive a winter fuel payment next year, the Scottish government has announced. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said those in receipt of qualifying benefits like Pension Credit would get £200 or £300 depending on their age, while all others would get £100.

Marie Curie is now calling on the Government to guarantee that any person with a terminal illness receives the allowance.