Anyone found to be in breach of the rules could now be liable for an immediate fine of up to £300 and even face criminal prosecution.

Some 150,000 applications for pension credit have been submitted in the 16 weeks since July 29, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced only those receiving the benefit would be eligible for winter fuel payments.

Tens of thousands of applications for the benefit have been submitted in recent months - but only a small percentage have been approved

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stripped them of the annual payment, worth up to £300, in a cruel blow.

Data shows applications have surged by nearly 150 per cent but only 42,500 claims have been successful during this time.

The new Labour Party government and the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) face a legal backlash to the 'cruel' Winter Fuel Payment cut.