Gordon Lyons calls for return of universal winter fuel payment
Summary
Gordon Lyons, the Communities Minister in Northern Ireland, is urging the return of the universal winter fuel payment for all pensioners. He criticized recent changes that made these payments dependent on income, which led to many pensioners missing out. After political pressure, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to reverse some cuts to these payments.Key Facts
- Gordon Lyons supports bringing back the winter fuel payment for all pensioners.
- The payment was previously universal but became means-tested, affecting eligibility.
- Approximately 250,000 people in Northern Ireland did not receive the payment last year.
- The Prime Minister plans to partially reverse the cuts after political pressure.
- Winter Fuel Payments were originally created to help pensioners with heating costs in winter.
- Last year, Northern Ireland pensioners received a one-off £100 payment due to extra funds.
- Means-testing required pensioners to prove they had low income to receive the payment.
- The changes resulted in 180,000 households in Northern Ireland losing access to the payment.
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