An urgent meeting is being held at Stormont today as Unite the union continues ts campaign to restore universal access to winter fuel payment, after a controversial decision changed the payment to a means-tested system.
The annual benefit of £100 to £300, which was previously universal for all pensioners, was recently changed to being means-tested. The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the decision in The Budget in July 2024.
To qualify for the benefit, you must have been born before September 23, 1958, and be in receipt of certain benefits, including pension credit, universal credit, or income-based jobseeker's allowance.
On Monday afternoon, January 20, Unite says it will hold a meeting at the Long Gallery in Stormont as part of its campaign to fully restore the payment.
A spokesperson for Unite the Union said: "This meeting will address the devastating impact of the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and the growing fuel poverty crisis affecting pensioners across Northern Ireland. The meeting aims to provide a chance to work together on solutions and ensure the voices of those most affected are heard."
The Department for Communities launched a 12-week public consultation in December on changes to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme.
The Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) public consultation, which runs from Monday December 9 2024 to Sunday March 2, 2025, relates to the policy change which limits the annual Winter Fuel Payment to pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit or other means tested benefits. The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme consultation is available on the Department for Communities’ website.
The Department says it welcomes comment on any aspects of the document by online survey, email or post.
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