Islwyn MP Chris Evans has called for the Winter Fuel Payment to be extended to people of all ages and not just the over 60s.
The Labour politician made the call after he had an assurance from the Government that it would not cut the payments.
At a recent debate in Parliament on fuel poverty, the Energy Minister, Charles Hendry told Mr Evans that the Coalition is “committed to maintaining winter fuel payments.”
The debate was started by Mr Evans following figures which showed that was an average of 41 excess winter deaths in Islwyn between 2003 and 2008 and that 1,700 people die in winter every year in Wales as a result of fuel poverty.
Speaking after the debate Mr Evans said: “I am pleased that the Government is committed to the Winter Fuel Payment.
“However, the Government could have gone further. The payment could be widened and targeted at the fuel poor of all ages. This could include children and young people, those living in hard to treat homes and those with long-term health conditions, as well as older people.
“It is important to remember that fuel poverty is not simply about schemes and programmes it really is a matter of life and death for the many people who are forced to live in cold and damp conditions in their homes.”