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02/09/2024
Alliance Raise Concerns Over Cuts To Winter Fuel Payments
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the impact of UK Government restrictions on Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) to recipients of Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits.
The party's Communities spokesperson, Sian Mulholland MLA, raised the issue after Alliance signed a joint Executive letter to the Prime Minister, expressing opposition to these changes and frustration over the lack of consultation with the Northern Ireland Executive.
The letter calls for a review of both the UK Government's proposals to limit WFP eligibility and the threshold for Pension Credit eligibility.
The North Antrim MLA has said: "Whilst I acknowledge the challenging financial situation and the severe pressures currently on Northern Ireland's public finances, I am deeply concerned about the implications of these changes for those older people who may narrowly miss out on Winter Fuel Payments.
"With Pension Credit now serving as the primary qualifying benefit for Winter Fuel Payments, I am calling for urgent action from the Department for Communities to boost the uptake of Pension Credit. Current data suggests that around 28% of eligible families in NI are not receiving it, and addressing this gap must be an immediate priority.
"Additionally, older people who are struggling with fuel costs can seek assistance through Discretionary Support, which provides grants and loans to those in severe financial hardship. Discretionary Support has considerably wider eligibility criteria compared to Pension Credit, offering another vital lifeline to those who may not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments.
"I also understand the concerns around health raised by this decision, particularly for those with conditions like cancer, where additional heating is a necessity during and after treatment. It is crucial that we focus our efforts on supporting those affected and pressuring the UK Government to reconsider or pause these changes.
"Alliance remains committed to advocating for the most vulnerable in our society and we will continue to work towards solutions that provide essential support, whilst being mindful of the financial stability of Stormont Departments."
The party's Communities spokesperson, Sian Mulholland MLA, raised the issue after Alliance signed a joint Executive letter to the Prime Minister, expressing opposition to these changes and frustration over the lack of consultation with the Northern Ireland Executive.
The letter calls for a review of both the UK Government's proposals to limit WFP eligibility and the threshold for Pension Credit eligibility.
The North Antrim MLA has said: "Whilst I acknowledge the challenging financial situation and the severe pressures currently on Northern Ireland's public finances, I am deeply concerned about the implications of these changes for those older people who may narrowly miss out on Winter Fuel Payments.
"Additionally, older people who are struggling with fuel costs can seek assistance through Discretionary Support, which provides grants and loans to those in severe financial hardship. Discretionary Support has considerably wider eligibility criteria compared to Pension Credit, offering another vital lifeline to those who may not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments.
"I also understand the concerns around health raised by this decision, particularly for those with conditions like cancer, where additional heating is a necessity during and after treatment. It is crucial that we focus our efforts on supporting those affected and pressuring the UK Government to reconsider or pause these changes.
"Alliance remains committed to advocating for the most vulnerable in our society and we will continue to work towards solutions that provide essential support, whilst being mindful of the financial stability of Stormont Departments."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
