Unite to continue campaign for full restoration of universal winter fuel payments

Following yesterday’s statement by prime minister Keir Starmer that the government plans to increase the number of pensioners eligible for the winter fuel payment, Unite has said Stormont must make sure no Northern Ireland pensioner loses out this winter.

The prime minister’s statement did not promise to fully restore the universal payment or commit to a timeframe.

The winter fuel payment was previously worth £200 a year to each pensioner. Following an active campaign by the Pensioner Convention and Unite, community minister Gordon Lyons moved to introduce a partial mitigation payment of £100 to affected households.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said, “"Unite has always been clear that any and all cuts to winter fuel are simply picking the pockets of pensioners while the richest in society keep getting wealthier.

"The winter fuel decision should be fully reversed, and money should be found instead by implementing a wealth tax on the super-rich.”

Regional secretary for Unite Susan Fitzgerald said, “The announcement by Keir Starmer will offer some hope to pensioners but unfortunately the government has not committed to fully reverse its disgraceful policy. The Stormont executive must give an assurance that, even if Westminster fails to fully reverse the cuts or drags their feet, no pensioner in Northern Ireland will be left in the cold this winter.”

Unite continues to pursue a judicial review to overturn the government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments to all but the poorest pensioners.

 

ENDS…

 

For further information or to arrange an interview contact Donal O’Cofaigh, Unite campaigns, communications & press (NI), tel. 07810 157926.