Unite which has been leading the campaign for the UK government to reverse its decision to cut winter fuel payments, has welcomed the announcement by the Northern Ireland executive, that it will provide partial support for affected pensioners.

Money allocated

As part of this week’s overall spending announcement an additional £17 million has been made available to pensioners in Northern Ireland who are no longer entitled to the winter fuel payment.

The additional money will not fully restore the £200 payment, as the total amount to reverse the cut was £44 million, but it will assist with fuel bills this winter. It is estimated that pensioners in Northern Ireland could receive around £80 each.

Much needed respite

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a first step in moving away from this cruel policy. The Northern Ireland executive has listened and responded to Unite’s campaign. While it doesn’t fully restore winter fuel payments it will provide some much-needed respite to pensioners this winter.

“It is now imperative that the other devolved nations follow suit and take action to reverse the UK government’s cut for their pensioners.

“The winter fuel cut was a grave mistake which exposes vulnerable people to unnecessary risks as the cold weather approaches. The UK government must change course on this and acknowledge that picking the pockets of pensioners is wrong.”

Government rebuff

The decision of Northern Ireland to supply additional funding is a substantial rebuff to the UK government. It also places greater pressure on the Scottish and Welsh government to take similar action to provide assistance to pensioners in their countries who have lost out.

Unite has already instigated legal action against the government’s decision and is in the process of launching a judicial review. This is on the basis that the government acted unlawfully. The government is yet to respond to the union’s challenge. Unite anticipates formally lodging its case with the courts before the end of this month.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.