Retirees in Northern Ireland who are set to lose their Winter Fuel Payments this year could be eligible for an £80 supplement from their local government.
This comes as the Northern Ireland Executive takes steps to fill the financial gap left by the central government’s decision to maintain restrictions on eligibility despite the controversial reception these changes received shortly after the July election.
The Executive has pledged an additional £17million to support the nearly 300,000 pensioners who will no longer qualify for the Winter Fuel Payments from the DWP.
Although this is a far cry from the usual £200 or £300 bonus some were expecting this winter.
It is hoped that this substitute will provide some relief for those struggling with Ofgem’s 10% price cap rise on energy bills last month.
The move by the Executive has also put pressure on other devolved governments to challenge the central government’s decision.
Unite has hailed the Executive’s move away from cutting Winter Fuel Payments, with General Secretary Sharon Graham commenting: “This is a first step in moving away from this cruel policy.
“The Northern Ireland executive has listened and responded to Unite’s campaign.”
“While it doesn’t fully restore winter fuel payments, it will provide some much-needed respite to pensioners this winter.”
She added: “It is now imperative that the other devolved nations follow suit and take action to reverse the UK government’s cut for their pensioners.
“The winter fuel cut was a grave mistake which exposes vulnerable people to unnecessary risks as the cold weather approaches. The UK government must change course on this and acknowledge that picking the pockets of pensioners is wrong.”
