19,305 Somerton and Frome pensioners are set to be hit with a £19.3 million stealth tax following the budget, new analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

Research by the Resolution Foundation think tank has found pensioners are set to lose out from last week's budget. This is due to the Conservative government's decision to freeze income tax thresholds, which will lead to a £8 billion tax bombshell for pensioners across the country by 2027-28, or an average of £1,000 each.

Further analysis by the Liberal Democrats suggests this will impact the estimated 19,305 pensioners in Somerton and Frome who pay income tax.

Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome, said this showed the Conservative Party has "abandoned" pensioners who are already struggling to pay their bills.

Speaking in a parliamentary debate on the Budget this evening (Monday), Sarah Dyke accused the government of "attempting to pull the wool over the eyes" of her constituents in last week's Budget.

The Liberal Democrats were the first party to commit in full to the triple lock for the upcoming election, which ensures pensions will see an increase by whichever is highest of average earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%.

Liberal Democrats have called on the government to double the Winter Fuel Allowance to offer extra help to pensioners, paid for by a proper windfall tax on the oil and gas companies.

Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome, said: "Pensioners who have worked hard and paid taxes all their lives are now being punished by this Conservative government with a £1,000 stealth tax.

"Many elderly people are already struggling to make ends meet as heating bills and the cost of the weekly shop go through the roof. Now these Conservative tax hikes will only pile on the misery.

"The Liberal Democrats are proud of our record of introducing the triple lock to protect people's pensions. We will stand up for the pensioners in our community who have been cruelly abandoned by the Conservatives, including by calling on the Government to double the Winter Fuel Allowance."