SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has sought urgent clarity on a one-off payment for pensioners who are set to miss out on the Winter Fuel Allowance.
In response to several Assembly Written Questions tabled by Mr Durkan, Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons has indicated that his department is exploring options to issue a one-off hardship payment.
Said the Foyle: “As temperatures begin to drop, people’s minds automatically turn to bills – many start to worry about heating costs; wondering when gas or oil prices will hit their lowest, whether that timing will match up with pay day, and in some cases, if they’ll face the difficult choice between heating or eating.
“I’ve implored the Communities Minister to introduce alternative support for those pensioners who will miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment as a result of recent cuts.
“These cruel changes will see thousands of households worse off this winter.
“At the beginning of September, the Minister stated that he was exploring the introduction of a one-off hardship payment.
“Despite several asks for an update in the intervening seven weeks, the department are seemingly no further forward on this issue.
“Meanwhile, many pensioner households are on tenterhooks, awaiting news.
“There has been a notable turn in the weather and we’re very much on the precipice of winter, people urgently need to know what support will be available.
“To date, the department is yet to assess the regional impact this policy will have on the North which has 24% of the population experiencing fuel poverty compared to 13% in England.
“The parroted policy has been foisted on people here by both the UK Government and Executive without any forethought.
“I will continue to push for the delivery of alternative and adequate support, ensuring no one is left in the cold this winter.”
