Furthermore, they are told to tell the service if the decision "will cause hardship or circumstances change".

Ian Andexser, Chairman of the Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners, has sent an open letter to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey, urging her to intervene.

Within the letter, Mr Andexser, who is among those affected, said: "Understandably, this situation is causing significant anguish to a large number of British citizens who should be enjoying their well-deserved and earned retirements."

He also said: "I, like many, have been in contact with your Department’s helplines who have accepted that this is a serious administrative error by the DWP.

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