Northern Ireland trade union calls for action to address growing fuel poverty crisis for pensioners

A trade union is calling on Stormont to restore pensioners' "warmth, dignity, and fairness" amid a grrowing fuel poverty crisis.

Unite the Union say the government decision to means-test the winter fuel payment removes a "vital safety net" at a time when pensioners at risk of fuel poverty need protection.

Joint branch secretary, Mary Jo McReynolds said: “With some of the highest energy costs in Europe, harsh winters, and poorly insulated housing, many older citizens are being forced to choose between heating their homes and meeting other essential needs.

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"Unite is calling for the immediate distribution of the promised £17 million by Stormont as a first step in restoring winter fuel payments to all pensioners. Universal access to the winter fuel payment treats pensioners with dignity and fairness.

"We strongly oppose means testing. It only creates administrative hurdles, excludes vulnerable individuals and undermines equity."

The union is calling on the NI Executive to allocate a further £27 million to fully restore universal winter fuel payments. It is also calling for efforts to promote uptake of pension credit among the 26,000 eligible who are currently missing out, the introduction of a comprehensive energy efficiency programme and publication of an updated and improved fuel poverty strategy for Northern Ireland.

Unite retired member Declan Lagan said: “The combination of rising energy costs, inadequate housing and low incomes places pensioners at significant risk. Cold homes are not just uncomfortable—they are dangerous, with serious health consequences for older people.

"On this fuel poverty awareness day, we urge communities minister Gordon Lyons and the Northern Ireland executive to take decisive action. Protect universal winter fuel payments, address the scandal of unclaimed benefits and invest in long-term solutions to tackle fuel poverty at its roots.”

Age NI, a charity representing older people in Northern Ireland, is urging older people to make sure to check if they are entitled to receive pension credit before the deadline of December 21, 2024. Receiving pension credit will allow them to continue to get paid the winter fuel payment.

The charity is also calling on the NI Executive to make a commitment to ensure older people receive the financial support they need to stay warm this winter and beyond.

Kellie Turtle, Head of Policy and Engagement for Age NI, said: "With 36,000 older people in Northern Ireland living in relative poverty and 22,000 in absolute poverty, many will be experiencing fuel poverty. It is vitally important that older people who are entitled to receive pension credit make sure they have applied before the deadline of 21st December 2024. This will allow an older person in receipt of pension credit to continue to receive the Winter Fuel payment if the claim is backdated for 3 months.

"We recognise the importance of last week’s announcement by the Minister for Communities regarding the £100 payment to older people throughout Northern Ireland. Age NI remains concerned, however, that the amount allocated may fall short of what older people really need to stay warm during the long winter days and nights ahead. We also need the Department to ensure that this money will be paid out as soon as possible.”

For help and advice on pension credit and other benefits contact the Age NI advice team on 0808 808 7575.

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