Jim Shannon said:
“I welcome the Government's decision to reverse the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment for this winter. The decision to withdraw the payment to so many pensioners was wrong. That the Government is performing a U-turn will be a relief for thousands of pensioners across Northern Ireland who faced real worry about how they would heat their homes in the colder months.
Here in Northern Ireland, the DUP Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, stepped in to help when Westminster failed to act, providing £100 to pensioners who were left out in the cold by Labour’s decision. That support made a difference, but it was only ever a stop-gap to cover a much wider issue.
Now that the payment is back in place, the important question is who will actually get it?
The Government has said the universal payment will not return which is deeply regrettable, but they have not explained how they will decide who qualifies. That lack of clarity is deeply unhelpful. People need to know if they are eligible. Older people plan carefully for the winter. They should not be left guessing about what support they can count on.
So while this U-turn is welcome, we now need answers. The Government must spell out who will receive this payment and when.”