Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed the UK government's decision to reverse eligibility restrictions on the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) for pensioners with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year.

The funding accompanying this announcement by HM Treasury, initially for England and Wales, will also extend to Northern Ireland.

Minister Lyons expressed his strong opposition to the previous restrictions: "My opposition to eligibility restrictions on the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) has been absolute, an opposition that I have consistently made known to Labour government ministers."

He further highlighted that he, along with other Executive colleagues, had written to the Prime Minister "outlining our total opposition to the changes and calling on him to reinstate a universal Winter Fuel Payment that protects all pensioners."

The UK government had announced changes to the WFP last July, limiting eligibility to pensioners receiving Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits. This move had sparked widespread concern and criticism, with many pensioners in Northern Ireland being affected.

"I welcome the u-turn announced today," Minister Lyons said, adding that he "will be engaging with Executive colleagues to ensure similar support is provided in Northern Ireland."

Following the initial decision to alter the WFP criteria last year, Minister Lyons was able to secure £17 million in Executive funding to provide a one-off £100 payment to local pensioners who were impacted.

Looking ahead, Minister Lyons confirmed that his officials are actively engaging with colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions to understand the implementation of the newly announced changes. This engagement aims to ensure Northern Ireland is "ready to follow suit" and provide the necessary support to its pensioners.