PENSIONERS in West Dunbartonshire STILL haven't received money from the UK government to help them heat their homes this winter, according to the area's MP.

Martin Docherty-Hughes says he's had numerous reports of constituents who haven't received their Winter Fuel Payment - and are struggling to make ends meet after the recent spells of freezing weather, combined with the instruction to "stay at home" to control the spread of Covid-19.

Eligible over-65s across the UK are supposed to receive between £100 and £300 by early January to help with heating costs.

But Mr Docherty-Hughes says a number of elderly residents across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven have contacted him to report that they still haven't received their payment after the cold snaps which struck in January and early February.

He said: "Many of my elderly constituents rely on the Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 to help cover the costs of their energy bills during the winter months.

"It's deeply concerning, especially given the recent spells of freezing weather, that the DWP thinks it's acceptable to keep pensioners blighted by fuel poverty waiting months overdue for this vital payment.

"The 'stay at home' requirements due to Covid-19 have also meant that many older people, in particular, are worried about their home energy costs just now.

"I'd urge anyone who thinks they should have received their Winter Fuel Payment but hasn't yet to get in touch.

"For people aged over-65, it's worth double-checking your eligibility online or by calling the government's free helpline on 0800 731 0160."

A DWP spokesman said: "Some 99.9 per cent of Winter Fuel Payments have been made and we have deployed additional resources to make the remaining payments as soon as possible.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to those awaiting money."