A pensioner says lives are being put at risk by reductions in heating allowance.
Despite being riddled with arthritis, kidney disease, bronchitis and sporting a pacemaker 91-year-old Johnnie Gray, from Telscombe Cliffs, has seen his winter fuel payment slashed by 25%.
Mr Gray said he is outraged the Government has cut help with heating bills for the over-80s to £300, down from the £400 they received last year.
The former saxophonist, who performed with Frank Sinatra and The Beatles, said: “I have a lot of phone calls from people my age who are really worried about how they will get through this winter.
“I was a bomber pilot in the war and fought for our freedom from this sort of thing.
“This is exactly what Stalin or Hitler would have done.”
A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said last year’s winter payments included a one-off increase of £100 which has now been dropped.
He added other measures were available to help shivering senior citizens.
He said: “We’re committed to doing all we can to ensure that older people can keep their homes warm in the winter.
“That’s why we have protected the winter fuel payments and tripled the cold weather payment to £25.”
Mr Gray’s concerns come as the Sussex Community Foundation is urging rich pensioners to give up their allowances for those who need it more.
The campaign has been backed by celebrities including Dame Vera Lynn.
To donate to the appeal visit www.localgiving.com/survivingwinter.
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