Gordon Lyons calls for return of universal winter fuel payment

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has called for the full reinstatement of the winter fuel payment and said an increase on those eligible "would not go far enough".

In a U-turn following mounting political pressure in recent weeks, the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to ease cuts to winter fuel payments.

Around 250,000 people here missed out on the winter fuel payment last year after Northern Ireland followed a Westminster decision to make the payments means-tested.

On Wednesday, Lyons welcomed the government's realisation that an "error" was made and urged for the return of the "universal winter fuel payment that protects all pensioners".

Winter Fuel Payments were created in 1997 to help everyone above state pension age with their winter heating bills.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last year that winter 2024 will be the first time pensioners in England and Wales will not be eligible for the payment.

Northern Ireland was forced to follow suit.

Payments were then restricted to those on benefits and pension credit.

This resulted in 180,00 NI households losing out on the payment.