West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Winter Fuel Payment reports 'worrying'.

Published: 23 August, 2010

Sinn Féin Omagh District Council Vice chairperson Anne Marie Fitzgerald has described as 'worrying' reports that the winter fuel payments may be cut for thousands people by the British Government. Media reports suggested that the payments could fall victim to the huge cuts being imposed by the British government with proposals to raise the age of those who benefit, from 60 to 66. Additionally it would see the allowance cut by £50 for new recipients and by £100 for the eldest recipients.

Speaking earlier this week the Sinn Féin mid Tyrone councillor had this to say:

"The proposals if they are in fact accurate are hugely worrying for those who are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payments. The new proposals, if implemented will see thousands of people unable to claim for these payments, who previously were eligible. This payment is given to those most at need and if these additional measures are applied to the scheme it will see a huge increase in the number of people struggling to make ends meet. This will have the knock on effect of increasing the risk of fuel poverty amongst those most at risk, including many older citizens in the community.

"Those who are in genuine need of extra help and fit the criteria should get it; it's as simple as that. We have all been told to expect cuts in the coming months and indeed we are seeing the result of these cuts. However we as a party have been saying that these cuts will affect those most at need and this is being reflected in these proposals. Those affected will be those least able to afford it.

"People should not have to face the dilemma of whether to put food on the table or put oil in their tanks. The message needs to go loud and clear to the British government that any attempt by them to disenfranchise people from claiming the Winter Fuel Payment will be resisted.CRÍOCH