Tewkesbury couple using their dogs to keep warm at night 

  • Watch Richard Payne's report here.

A Tewkesbury couple say they’re having to cuddle their dogs to keep warm at night. 

John and Wenefreda Dockree first turned on their heating in November when snow arrived. However, just an hour later they turned it off because they can’t afford the bills now they’ve lost their winter fuel payment. 

The 73-year-old veteran said: "If I have to put the heating on more than we are doing now, we’re going to have to cut back on food.

"What can I do? I don’t want to get myself into debt. I can’t afford to get myself into debt."

The couple have two rescue dogs, which they say keep them warm at night.

John said: "They jump up on the bed, and you can feel the warmth come from them, and that’s a good thing because they love us."

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Last summer Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel benefit of up to £300 would be removed for many people to save £1.4bn per year.

Previously all pensioners received a lump sum of between £200 and £300 to help with energy bills, but now the payment is available only to those on pension credit who have an income below £218.15 per week as a single person, or £332.95 as a couple.

Since the announcement, applications for pension credit have increased by 145%. 

For John, pension credit is not an option. His state pension of £213.50 per week together plus his wife’s income from cleaning offices for two hours, five days a week leaves their income £2 above the threshold of eligibility.

The lack of heat has also had an impact on their house. Existing damp problems have worsened and black mould now covers large areas of the house, causing John additional worries about their health. 

The lack of heating could have an impact on their health too, with black mould visible throughout the house. Credit: ITV News

The NHS recommends homes should be at least 18 degrees to lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and respiratory illnesses.

John said: "I’m ashamed to say I’m British, from the way I’m being treated at the moment.

"I did my bit in the army for this country, and I now I wonder what for."

The Chancellor has said her “tough choice” will put public finances on a “firmer footing”.