Sugden – we must not fail older people in need of winter fuel payment

EAST Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden has said older people in need must not suffer because of the UK Government’s decision to now means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance.

The decision was made to provide the annual payment only to those households in receipt of Pension Credit, and Stormont’s Minister for Communities has said he will follow suit with no extra money being made available.

Ms Sugden said that evidence showed not everyone eligible for Pension Credit was claiming it and that older people struggling with bills should not fall through the social security net.

“The Winter Fuel Allowance – which usually provides households with a member over 65 with a £200 payment each year, or £300 if at least one member is over 80 – can make a big difference to those older people with fixed incomes who are struggling with price rises,” said the independent MLA.

“The deep concern with now limiting the payment to only those on Pension Credit is that there are many people who receive just slightly more than the Pension Credit threshold who are struggling, and also many who are eligible that are not currently claiming it.

“People should check their eligibility as soon as possible because not only could they be missing out on Pension Credit, but now they look likely to miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment too.

“Older people are often much more vulnerable to the cold, and have to keep their heating on for longer than average periods due to being at home more often.

“If the UK Government will not commit to helping all those older people who need extra support with their fuel bills over this, and future, winters, then our Department for Communities and Department of Finance should have looked at bridging that gap for households in Northern Ireland.

“Unfortunately, the decision to simply follow the Westminster lead seems to have been made and confirmed quickly, before any debate could be had.”