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16/09/2022
Hargey Urged To Review Winter Fuel Payment Rate
The SDLP has called for urgent action from Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to review the current rate of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has said that Minister Hargey has the power to review the amount provided to pensioner households, yet the rate has not changed since 2010/11.
In response to Mr Durkan's calls for a robust winter support package for pensioner households the Department for Communities (DfC) stressed their reluctance to deviate from parity with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP.)
Mr Durkan said the department's continued reliance on support initiatives which existed prior to the cost of living crisis, rather than a tailored pension package, presented a lackadaisical approach.
The Foyle MLA commented: "I'm hugely disappointed in the response from DfC in relation to a review into the rate of Winter Fuel Payment. It beggars belief that during a fuel crisis and given the predicted exponential increase in costs, the Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has not seen fit to review, never mind increase, the rate of Winter Fuel Payment to assist elderly individuals to heat their homes in the months ahead. The rate available has remained unchanged for over a decade. In the interim fuel prices have skyrocketed effectively reducing the positive impact the Winter Fuel Payment once had. In essence people are getting less bang for their buck.
"Minister Hargey cannot rely on the old fail-safe excuse that the absence of an Executive prevents action on the matter. I've been lobbying for this necessary change over the course of the past two years. In October 2021 and May 2022 in response to my calls, the Minister advised that her officials were considering options and assured me that she had written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding further support for older people. Almost a year on we are yet to see the fruits of that labour. Meanwhile, pensioner households are facing fuel poverty and the reality is that lives are at risk in the absence of adequate support.
"No household is immune to increasing energy costs but for pensioners, this crisis hits harder. They are at an increased risk of illness and worse if left unable to heat their homes. Their anxieties are palpable and I know many of my constituents are filled with a sense of dread ahead of the winter period with no plan in place.
"Reviewing the current rate of Winter Fuel Payment is a small step but a necessary one. The latest response underscores a complete lack of urgency and the reluctance to deviate from parity with DWP is cause for concern. Northern Ireland is set to be the hardest hit region across the UK in terms of fuel poverty levels and as such requires a separate, emergency approach to the fuel crisis."
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has said that Minister Hargey has the power to review the amount provided to pensioner households, yet the rate has not changed since 2010/11.
In response to Mr Durkan's calls for a robust winter support package for pensioner households the Department for Communities (DfC) stressed their reluctance to deviate from parity with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP.)
Mr Durkan said the department's continued reliance on support initiatives which existed prior to the cost of living crisis, rather than a tailored pension package, presented a lackadaisical approach.
The Foyle MLA commented: "I'm hugely disappointed in the response from DfC in relation to a review into the rate of Winter Fuel Payment. It beggars belief that during a fuel crisis and given the predicted exponential increase in costs, the Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has not seen fit to review, never mind increase, the rate of Winter Fuel Payment to assist elderly individuals to heat their homes in the months ahead. The rate available has remained unchanged for over a decade. In the interim fuel prices have skyrocketed effectively reducing the positive impact the Winter Fuel Payment once had. In essence people are getting less bang for their buck.
"Minister Hargey cannot rely on the old fail-safe excuse that the absence of an Executive prevents action on the matter. I've been lobbying for this necessary change over the course of the past two years. In October 2021 and May 2022 in response to my calls, the Minister advised that her officials were considering options and assured me that she had written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding further support for older people. Almost a year on we are yet to see the fruits of that labour. Meanwhile, pensioner households are facing fuel poverty and the reality is that lives are at risk in the absence of adequate support.
"No household is immune to increasing energy costs but for pensioners, this crisis hits harder. They are at an increased risk of illness and worse if left unable to heat their homes. Their anxieties are palpable and I know many of my constituents are filled with a sense of dread ahead of the winter period with no plan in place.
"Reviewing the current rate of Winter Fuel Payment is a small step but a necessary one. The latest response underscores a complete lack of urgency and the reluctance to deviate from parity with DWP is cause for concern. Northern Ireland is set to be the hardest hit region across the UK in terms of fuel poverty levels and as such requires a separate, emergency approach to the fuel crisis."
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20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
14 October 2013
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
21 September 2005
Over 60's urged not to miss out on fuel payments
People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, have been advised to check if they are eligible.
Over 60's urged not to miss out on fuel payments
People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, have been advised to check if they are eligible.
02 December 2002
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
31 July 2024
Winter Fuel Payment Restrictions 'Disappointing'
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has described the UK government decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment as "disappointing". Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the benefit would be restricted in an effort to save £1.5 billion per year.
Winter Fuel Payment Restrictions 'Disappointing'
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has described the UK government decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment as "disappointing". Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the benefit would be restricted in an effort to save £1.5 billion per year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
