Minister Lyons welcomed the statement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on increasing the number of pensioners who are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment but said any such move would not go far enough.
Minister Lyons – who earlier this year provided a £100 fuel support payment to Northern Ireland pensioners affected by the Labour government changes to eligibility – said he welcomed the government’s realisation that a mistake had been made, adding that a full reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Payment was now required.
Minister Lyons said, “My opposition to restricting eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment has been absolute and I am glad that the Labour government has now recognised that error.
“This mistake can only be fully rectified by the reinstatement of a universal Winter Fuel Payment that protects all pensioners.
“I appreciate the welfare bill must be reduced but believe this can be done by supporting people into work, not by targeting our older generation.
“I am calling for immediate clarity from the government on its plans to alleviate the concerns that our senior citizens have had since this policy change was announced last July.”
Minister Lyons also called for a reconsideration of the Labour government’s proposals to reduce the welfare bill by cutting the health element of UC and making changes to PIP eligibility.
Minister Lyons continued, “As with the Winter Fuel Payment changes, I have raised my concerns on the recent welfare reform proposals directly with the government and DWP ministers.
“Any such reform must ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and the necessary financial and structural support provided for those who can be supported in to work.”