With the government set to cut the number of pensioners eligible for the winter fuel payment, new figures have revealed how the move could impact pensioners in Berkshire - with thousands at risk of missing out. 

Following a vote in the House of Commons last night, winter fuel payments will be limited to only pensioner that claim pension credit or a selection of other benefits.

Other benefits that will enable winter fuel payments include universal credit, child tax credit, and various income support allowances. 

The change means that the number of those who receive the winter fuel payment is set to shrink from more than 11 million to about 1.5 million.

It follows a Conservative motion in the House of Commons to oppose the Government’s cuts - resulting in the motion being defeated by 348 votes to 228.

Now new figures revealed to this newspaper have shown that in Reading there are 1,686 pensioners who are missing out on claiming £6.5 million in Pension Credit.

It means the change to Winter Fuel Payments could leave them out of pocket by an additional £505,000. 

In Slough, 1,624 eligible people are not claiming £6.2m in Pension Credit - which could result in a loss of £487,000 under the new winter fuel system. 

The figures were compiled by social policy company Policy In Practice, which provides benefit calculator tools and software for individuals and a range of local authorities. 

The company said available data showed that at least 167 people in Bracknell Forest were eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming. 

Local authorities across the area have begun to contact residents who are likely to be eligible for Pension Credits. 

A spokesperson from Reading Borough Council said the local authority has written to  residents who may be eligible, providing details of how to apply to the Department of Work and Pensions. 

The spokesperson added: "The Housing Benefit team will be proactively following up on these cases over the coming weeks to ensure customers have taken the advice given."

The Council has also commissioned Age UK Berkshire to offer help and support to pensioners in Reading in completing applications for Pension Credits where help is required.

Age UK Berkshire will be offering pension credit help and support at Readings Older Peoples Day in Broad Street Mall between 9.30am and 2pm on October 1.

Reading West and Mid Berkshire MP Olivia Bailey - who voted against the motion that tried to block the allowance change - said the vote was a "tough decision" that was needed to tackle a £22 billion "black hole" in the country's finances. 

She added: "The government is determined to ensure the poorest pensioners have the support they need and has extended the Household Support Grant and launched a campaign to help eligible pensioners claim Pension Credit.

"I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible for pension credit to apply."

Here is the full list of Berkshire MPs who voted on the motion to oppose changes to Winter Fuel Payments: 

Newbury - Lee Dillon, Liberal Democrats - Aye

Reading West and Mid Berkshire - Olivia Bailey, Labour - No 

Reading Central - Matt Rodda, Labour - No 

Earley and Woodley - Yuan Yang, Labour - No

Wokingham - Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat -Aye 

Maidenhead - Joshua Reynolds, Liberal Democrat - Aye 

Slough - Tan Dhesi, Labour - No 

Windsor - Jack Rankin, Conservative - Aye