NORTH Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has pointed to the experiences of her constituents to urge the government to combat rising 'pensioner poverty' in the area.

Mrs Morgan posed a question to Therese Coffey, Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, during a debate on the issue after it was announced that the cap on energy price rises would be raised from April.

She highlighted that several constituents are having to make the “heart-breaking” choice between heating and eating, pointing to the example of an Ellesmere couple who say they have to choose between heating or food.

Helen also pointed out that the suspension of the triple lock on pension increases would hit rural communities hard.

"Pensioners across North Shropshire and the rest of the country are falling into poverty," she said.

"Last week, a retired couple from Ellesmere in my constituency contacted me to tell me that even though they live in a modest bungalow, because of the rising costs of their food and energy bills, they have been put in the heart-breaking position of having to choose between heating and eating.

"That is a choice no one should ever have to make.

"Rural communities are being hardest hit by the energy bill price hike and have higher numbers of pensioners hit by the suspension of the triple lock.

"In Shropshire the Conservative led Council is pushing through the maximum Council Tax increase. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure our retired residents don’t have to choose between heating an eating?”