The Liberal Democrats are advocating for an extension to the Saturday deadline for winter fuel payments, citing fears that many older individuals may miss out. A surge in applications for pension credit has occurred since the government limited fuel payments to those on specific benefits. The party aims to extend the deadline to February 28 and expedite the processing of applications to aid vulnerable pensioners facing tough choices this winter. Criticism of the government’s decision to restrict payments has come from various charities and opposition parties.