SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed a U-turn on winter fuel support for pensioners.
He was speaking after the UK Government announced a reversal of their policy from last year.
All pensioners with an income below £35,000 will now receive the winter fuel payment.
Said the Foyle MLA said: “This announcement today will be welcome news for many pensioners across the North who struggled to pay their heating bill and keep warm over a difficult winter.
“This cut was a decision that should never have been made in the first place, it is the duty of government to protect the most vulnerable people in our society and the UK Government totally failed in that regard.
“The response from the Executive was also totally lacking. It took huge political pressure to get the Minister to institute a £100 payment that didn’t arrive until the Spring. Far too little, far too late.
“The Minister is on the record saying that the winter fuel payment should be fully reinstated and I would ask if he has any plans to further this following this announcement.
“The UK Government has been forced to U-turn on this policy and I would urge them to listen to campaigners and those affected and abandon their plans to introduce harmful welfare cuts.
“There is still time to abandon these proposals that would force more families into poverty and broaden inequality right across these islands.”
