Campaigners demand Winter Fuel Payment is reinstated as they meet Communities Minister

Representatives from organisations backing the campaign to reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment for all pensioners have demanded urgent action to shield low-income pensioners from the impact of the payment cut as they met with the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons today.

The campaign has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to step up and secure funding to fully restore the winter fuel payment for this year and beyond.

While Minister Lyons has allocated £17 million to provide a one-off payment of £100 per household, campaigners insist this falls far short of what is needed. They argue that only full and permanent restoration of the payment can ensure pensioners are adequately supported during the winter months.

READ MORE: NI union calls for action on growing fuel poverty crisis for pensioners

Speaking after the meeting, Dympna McGlade, a member of Unite’s retired members branch, said: “We made it clear to the minister that more must be done. While all Stormont parties claim to oppose this cruel cut, it’s time for their words to translate into action.

“Lyons’ part payment is welcome but inadequate. Unite is calling for an equality impact assessment to identify pensioners living below the poverty line and ensure no one is left to face hardship this winter. With soaring fuel prices, plummeting temperatures, and rising winter mortality rates, the Executive must act now.”

Brian Heading, also from Unite’s retired members branch, said: “Unite challenged the minister directly but this is not just his responsibility – it falls to the entire Northern Ireland executive. While our campaign has secured cross-party support, the cut is still being imposed on some of the most vulnerable in our society.

“Our message is clear: We will not stand by while low-income retired workers are abandoned. This campaign will escalate in the coming weeks if urgent action isn’t taken.”

The campaign continues to call for full restoration of the winter fuel payment, ensuring no pensioner is left in the cold.

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