22/05/2025
Lyons Demands Full Reinstatement Of Winter Fuel Payment
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has called for the full reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Payment and a comprehensive reconsideration of wider welfare reforms recently announced by the Labour government.
Minister Lyons welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on increasing the number of pensioners eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment but argued that such a move would not go far enough.
Earlier this year, Minister Lyons' department provided a £100 fuel support payment to Northern Ireland pensioners affected by the Labour government's changes to eligibility. He expressed his approval that the government had recognised a mistake, adding that a full reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Payment is now essential.
"My opposition to restricting eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment has been absolute and I am glad that the Labour government has now recognised that error," Minister Lyons stated. "This mistake can only be fully rectified by the reinstatement of a universal Winter Fuel Payment that protects all pensioners."
While acknowledging the need to reduce the welfare bill, the Minister believes this should be achieved differently. "I appreciate the welfare bill must be reduced but believe this can be done by supporting people into work, not by targeting our older generation," he said.
Minister Lyons is now pressing for immediate clarity on the government's plans. "I am calling for immediate clarity from the government on its plans to alleviate the concerns that our senior citizens have had since this policy change was announced last July."
Furthermore, Minister Lyons has urged a reconsideration of the Labour government's proposals to cut the health element of Universal Credit (UC) and alter the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
"As with the Winter Fuel Payment changes, I have raised my concerns on the recent welfare reform proposals directly with the government and DWP ministers," Minister Lyons continued. "Any such reform must ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and the necessary financial and structural support provided for those who can be supported into work."
Minister Lyons welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on increasing the number of pensioners eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment but argued that such a move would not go far enough.
Earlier this year, Minister Lyons' department provided a £100 fuel support payment to Northern Ireland pensioners affected by the Labour government's changes to eligibility. He expressed his approval that the government had recognised a mistake, adding that a full reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Payment is now essential.
"My opposition to restricting eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment has been absolute and I am glad that the Labour government has now recognised that error," Minister Lyons stated. "This mistake can only be fully rectified by the reinstatement of a universal Winter Fuel Payment that protects all pensioners."
Minister Lyons is now pressing for immediate clarity on the government's plans. "I am calling for immediate clarity from the government on its plans to alleviate the concerns that our senior citizens have had since this policy change was announced last July."
Furthermore, Minister Lyons has urged a reconsideration of the Labour government's proposals to cut the health element of Universal Credit (UC) and alter the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
"As with the Winter Fuel Payment changes, I have raised my concerns on the recent welfare reform proposals directly with the government and DWP ministers," Minister Lyons continued. "Any such reform must ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and the necessary financial and structural support provided for those who can be supported into work."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.