Communities Minister statement on Winter Fuel Payment

Commenting on the Chancellor’s decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said:

“The announcement to limit the Winter Fuel Payment is disappointing news which will impact upon many in our society. For those who are less well off, it creates an additional financial burden. It also comes amid a range of cost-of-living pressures, which will be unwelcome for some and intolerable for many.

“Warmth is a necessity, not a luxury. Depriving older people of the means to heat their homes is not only difficult for pensioners facing fuel poverty but is likely to have a detrimental impact on their physical and mental health.

“I will be providing an update for my Executive colleagues in due course.

“In the meantime, I would ask everyone to check their benefit entitlements, and ensure they claim all the benefits, supports and services that are available to them. Pension Credit, in particular, is a vital top-up for those on low incomes.”

Notes to editors: 

1. More information on the Make the Call service, which allows people to check if they are getting all the benefits they are entitled to, is available here: 
   Freephone: 0800 232 1271
   Email Make the Call :
2. Media enquiries to Press Office 
3. Follow us on X @CommunitiesNI
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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