Ministers are under attack for extending winter fuel payments to 30,000 elderly ex-pats, some living in tropical temperatures.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have accused the government of being in a muddle after changing the scheme's eligibility following discussions with the European Union.

The move means over 60s living in 19 countries can qualify for the �200 tax-free payments if they left the UK after 5 January 1998.

It is understood the change in the rules will cost the British taxpayer an estimated �5m.

The government should have thought the scheme through properly before it started

David Willetts Shadow work and pensions secretary

The new countries covered include some which enjoy very warm temperatures, such as French territories in the Caribbean.

Pensions minister Ian McCartney said: "Winter fuel payments were introduced in 1997 and were intended to provide older people with help towards winter fuel bills as part of our commitment to fighting fuel poverty in the UK.

"We have now concluded our discussions with the European Commission with regard to the extent of the UK Government's responsibilities under European Community law.

"As a result, those people who acquired entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment prior to leaving the UK to live in the EEA or - from winter 2002-03 - Switzerland, may now be able to get payments from when they left the UK."

But David Willetts, shadow work and pensions secretary, said this was the second EU change to the winter fuel payment scheme.

He said: "The government should have thought the scheme through properly before it started.

"Now it is going to face a messy process of backdating payments. It is not clear how it will enable people to get the benefits to which they are entitled.

"It is a pity it could not have had a simpler and more water-tight scheme from the beginning.

Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesman Steve Webb said: "The winter fuel payment was meant to be the simplest possible system, but once again the Department of Work and Pensions has failed to get it right."

There is also anger that people with disabilities living in this country will still be excluded.

More information and a claim form is available from the DWP website.

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