Derry Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Foyle MLA welcomes Consumer Council calls on Winter Fuel Payment

Published: 27 August, 2010

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed calls from the Consumer Council which says that an urgent review of the Winter Fuel Payment is needed to ensure it adequately targets consumers in fuel poverty. The comments come amid claims that the qualifying age for the payment will rise to 66 and that the amount may be cut for some consumers.

Martina Anderson said

"Last week I issued a 'Hands off the winter fuel payment' warning after reports were circulating in the media that the British Tory/Liberal Democrat coalition planned to make changes to the winter fuel payment scheme, which could see millions of people being disenfranchised from entitlement to the benefit.

I welcome the call from the Consumer Council for an urgent review of the Winter Fuel Payment so as to ensure it adequately targets consumers in fuel poverty. The Consumer Council also revealed that a staggering 50 per cent of homes here are believed to be in fuel poverty, the highest level in Western Europe and we also have the highest number of winter deaths - there were over a 1000 deaths in 2009.

"Those who are in genuine need of extra help and fit the criteria should get it; we can't have a situation in the coming winter months of people sitting in their homes, worrying that they are going to lose their annual winter fuel payment and being left with no heat and no hot water. The introduction of oil fired central heating systems in many homes was seen as step forward, but we are now seeing problems on a daily basis, where people can't afford to fill their oil tanks due to rising costs.

"When people can't afford to heat their homes it will inevitably lead to more health and social problems in our communities. Keeping your home warm and comfortable should not become a luxury it should be right. People should not be faced with the unenviable choice of deciding whether to heat their homes or put food on the table.


The message needs to go out loud and clear once again , hands off the winter fuel payment".