SDLP social justice spokesperson Mark H Durkan has decried the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as the saga around Winter Fuel Payment delays continue.
In response to an Assembly question submitted by Mr Durkan, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey confirmed that some payments may not be made until 31 March 2021 however her department was unable to confirm the numbers of outstanding claims.
Said the Foyle MLA: “In the last number of days, temperatures have been low, snow on the ground and weather warnings have been issued.”
“Yet the security of a warm home during these extended cold periods, is a luxury not afforded to all.
“It is scandalous in mid-February, months after Winter Fuel Payments were due to be made, that some claimants are yet to receive this much needed support.
“I have consistently raised my concerns with the Department for Communities and the Department for Work and Pensions who administer this scheme.
“While Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey was unable to provide definitive numbers on outstanding payments for Northern Ireland, DWP’s retort was that ‘99% of payments have been issued.’
“That is all well and good, but that 1% is still representative of thousands of vulnerable people- that even one pensioner should be left without this cold-weather crutch is a disgrace.
“How any government can justify not paying out a Winter Fuel allowance until the end of March, is completely beyond me.
“It is a negligence of duty, that at a time when the government message is to ‘Stay at Home’ where possible, with stricter guidance issued for elderly and clinically vulnerable individuals, that some claimants are yet to receive this financial lifeline.
“Furthermore, it is unconscionable that two departments, with somewhat shared responsibility for this scheme, have done little to rectify problems with these pay-outs despite being aware of issues in December of last year.
“This year’s handling of the Winter Fuel Payment, of all years, is a stain of shame on the Department.”
