SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon has described as “callous” letters being sent to people in Derry and across the North of Ireland aged 80 and over telling them they need to open bank accounts to receive their pensions and other benefits.
The MLA said the actions by the government department was completely out of touch and with no consideration or compassion for our elderly.
The letters from the Department for Work and Pensions being sent to some 20,000 pensioners here aged 80 and over in receipt of benefits instructs them to use bank, building society or credit union accounts to receive their welfare payments from now on.
Ms Mallon fumed: “The fact that the Department for Work and Pensions is writing out to pensioners aged 80 and over, telling them that going forward they will have to use bank, building society and credit union accounts before they can receive their pensions and other welfare payments is a disgrace.
“It shows the complete lack of understanding or care this Tory government has for elderly people.
“So many elderly people, especially those in their 80s and 90s, don’t have bank accounts.
“They use their local post offices and feel comfortable and safe doing so.
“To expect these very senior citizens to open bank accounts, and travel some considerable distances in many cases to do so, to access what they have worked hard for all their lives and are entitled to, is outrageous.
“Our senior citizens deserve to be shown greater understanding and flexibility.
“The further disgrace is that with the continuing political stalemate between the DUP and Sinn Féin, there is no local Communities Minister to stand up for them and protect them leaving them completely at the mercy of this ruthless Tory Government.
“It is also another underhanded attempt to strip services of our post offices which are a vital lifeline for many, especially elderly people, in our local communities,” added the SDLP deputy letter.
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