Two of East Lancashire's new Labour MPs have been put on the spot over the government's plan to scrap the winter fuel payment for most pensioners by the leaders of their local Tory groups.

Rossendale Council Conservative boss Cllr Scott Smith has written to backbencher Andy MacNae expressing 'deep concern' at the proposal.

His Hyndburn counterpart Cllr Zak Khan has sent a similar letter to the borough's new MP Sarah Smith.

Their letters come as the House of Commons prepares to vote today over the proposal to restrict the payment of £200 to £300 to those older people receiving pension credit.

Around 10 million pensioners could lose the cash, intended to help with typically higher heating bills over winter, which until now was given to all pensioners, from millionaires to the destitute.

It comes after the state pension rose by 8.5 per cent in April - an extra £900 a year - and looks set to increase by another £400 in 2025 thanks to the triple lock.

Groups including Age UK have slammed the decision, which Labour has said it necessary to fill a "£22 billion black hole in public finances left by the Tories".

Cllr Smith told Rossendale and Darwen backbencher Mr MacNae: "I am writing to you to express deep concern at the government's plan to withdraw winter fuel payments from pensioners.

"Winter fuel payments are vital in ensuring that pensioners are not forced to choose between heating and eating.

"More than 11,000 pensioners across Rossendale are now set to have this vital lifeline taken away.

"The people from whom the government are stripping winter fuel payments are not rich.

"I urge you to make sure our pensioners can afford to heat their homes this winter."

Andy MacNaeAndy MacNae said 'difficult decisions must be made'

Cllr Khan tells Mrs Smith: "It is important that we know your thoughts on recent announcements by the Labour government.

"Do you support your Labour government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment?

"The estimated impact of this decision Age UK states will result in two million pensioners who need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it."

Mr MacNae said: "Winter Fuel payments will continue for those most in need, however, the government intends for payments to be means tested as difficult decisions are required to fix the foundations of the economy.

Sarah Smith said she is interested in getting on with the job, not cheap political points scoringSarah Smith said she is interested in getting on with the job, not cheap political points scoring

"People who received pension credit will continue to receive winter fuel payments of £200, or £300 for households in receipt of the credit where someone is aged over 80.

"There is an issue of incomes just above the threshold which I have highlighted with ministers and I would argue cliff edges need to be reviewed across a broad range of social security entitlements."

Mrs Smith said: "The previous government left a £22 billion hole in our economy.

"I have been visiting food banks and charities working with the most vulnerable residents and I am committed to ensuring my office is there to serve them.

"This is why on September 20 I am hosting a focused senior residents surgery to help more pensioners register for Pension Credit and ensure they are accessing the support available to them.

"I am not interested in cheap political point scoring and I know the majority of my constituents want me to focus on fixing the country and getting on with the job.”