SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has tabled a priority Assembly Question to the Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons seeking urgent clarity on what financial assistance will be provided to pensioners losing out on winter fuel payments.
Speaking following confirmation of an additional £17 million to the Department for Communities for winter fuel support as part of the October Monitoring Round, Mr Durkan said: “This allocation is welcome and must be used to support the development of a one-off hardship payment. However, the lack of detail this late in the year is concerning.
“It’s been two months since I first urged the Communities Minister to introduce mitigations to assist pensioners impacted by these cuts.
“Pension households normally receive notification from November onwards about their fuel payment.
“Despite numerous requests to the Minister, he has failed to provide details on a support scheme for those missing out.
“With around 330,000 pensioners in the North, the latest eligibility rules mean in and around 60,000 households receiving Pension Credit will qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
“This leaves a significant number of pensioners without access to this critical support amidst rising living costs.
“Temperatures are dropping and the need for this support is becoming urgent.
“People deserve answers on what assistance will be available and when to help them avoid facing impossible choices between heating and eating this winter.”
