I lost 'a lot' of customers after fuel allowance cut

A chip shop owner said the government's decision to cut the winter fuel allowance for senior citizens has cost him customers and left him "struggling to stay open".

Jay Choganbaz, 45, of Bristol, has worked at Lawrence Weston Fish Bar, in Bristol, for 18 years, taking over the business three years ago.

He said: "After three years of rising costs, now customers are having to choose between staying warm and buying themselves fish and chips" occasionally.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the cut to pensioners winter fuel payment last year.

Mr Choganbaz said: "I have been working alone about two years because the shop is just covering my livelihood, not making profit.

"And if anything happens to the shop, I don't know how I can cope," he explained.

He said business has halved over the last three years and now it is getting worse.

"Just [a couple of months] ago, a box of fish was £85 - £95 and now the same fish is £220, as [there is] a shortage of cod.

"I was quite sad because on top of the cost of living going up, many people who were labour supporters have been saddened by Kier Starmer's winter fuel allowance cut.

"I've lost a lot of customers just due to fuel costs cut already," he added.

Kylie, 34, from Lawrence Weston, is a regular at Mr Choganbaz's chip shop and said choices made by the government seem "unfair" to people like him.

"Jay's not just a business, he's a friend to most people here. Everyone thinks so highly of him," she said.

He is trying to make a living for himself, but with the way he's affected by government decisions, it's just disgusting," she added.

She said if he does not get help, he will lose the business and the community will lose a good friend which would be "an absolute shame".

"How is anyone supposed to start, or run, a business when they can't even pay the bills," she added.

A government spokesperson said more than a million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment.

"We have also continued the Warm Home Discount and extended the Household Support Fund which will help with the cost of food, heating and bills," they added.

They said they are also committed to supporting pensioners with a rise in state pension for millions this parliament, with their commitment to the Triple Lock.

The Triple Lock is a government promise, first introduced in 2011, to raise the state pension each year by the highest of either inflation, wages or 2.5%.

Andrew Crook CFSP, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers said the industry - just as all businesses - is feeling the impact of the winter fuel allowance and the budget that feels "anti growth".

He said as a labour member, and with so much hope for change, the new government have shown they have no understanding of business and the pressures we are facing.

"We are the backbone of the country, we provide employment and look after local communities but the government underestimate the role we play."

"They need to talk to us or it'll be too late and the damage will be done," he added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.