The CEO of Citizens' Advice says the charity is preparing for a "very difficult" winter in advance of the elimination of winter fuel benefits for 10 million seniors.

The yearly payments, which range from £100 to £300, will no longer be given to those who are not receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits as of next month.

Dame Clare Moriarty told the BBC that more targeted help should be provided for individuals with the greatest needs and the lowest incomes. She will be attending a government meeting with energy companies to discuss the matter on Wednesday.

In order to close what he describes as a £22 billion "hole" in the public funds, the prime minister has justified the decision to halt winter fuel payments.

Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh organised a meeting last week to examine ways to assist consumers who are having trouble paying their energy bills. This came about when it was revealed that the energy price ceiling will increase starting in October.

According to regulator Ofgem, the new energy price ceiling would result in a 10% increase in gas and electricity rates in England, Scotland and Wales. An annual dual-fuel bill paid by direct debit will typically cost £1,717.

Citizens Advice, Ofgem, and trade group Energy UK have also been invited.

Together, they would "assist households in energy debt and take proactive steps to stop others from falling into it," according to Ms. Fahnbulleh.

Age UK, a nonprofit, has started a petition demanding a government reversal, stating that it believes "as many as two million pensioners who find paying their energy bills a real stretch will be seriously hit by this cut".

In addition, the Conservatives have pushed Labour to rescind its decision and are attempting to oppose the shift in policy in the Commons.

(Sources: bbc.co.uk)