DUP Leader Gavin Robinson said,
“This shameful decision is not in our name. There will be a detrimental impact on almost 200k pensioners, many of whom will have worked their entire adult lives and paid their taxes.
During the winter months many of our older neighbours think carefully about switching on their heating. The Winter Fuel Allowance is not just financial assistance, it’s a lifeline for many of our pensioners.
As Northern Ireland is already chronically underfunded, the Northern Ireland Executive does not have the financial firepower to design a bespoke IT system and then pay the £44m which is being cut.
We urge the Government to reconsider its plans. With rising energy costs, this support is needed more than ever. To withdraw it at this critical time is both short-sighted and unfair. Removing this essential allowance will exacerbate fuel poverty and place further pressure on other public services.”