McNulty calls for leadership on winter fuel payments

In England and Wales the payment is set to be paid only to those in receipt of pension credit or other benefits, affecting an estimated 10 million people.

The future of the payment in the north is a devolved issue but a decision is yet to be made on whether the support will also be reduced here.

Mr McNulty has expressed “serious concerns” about potential cuts to the payment in the North.

“Every winter 290 people die across the north due to cold homes - that number is likely to rise among our elderly population without access to fuel support,” the Newry & Armagh MLA said.

“This move will have a disproportionate impact in the north which has the highest rates of fuel poverty in the UK and will hit harder for pensioners living in areas of high deprivation.

“It’s clear a separate approach to the winter fuel payment is required in the North.”