Age NI Response to the UK Government Announcement on Extending Household Support Grant

Age NI Charity Director, Paschal McKeown:

“Following today’s announcement by the Department for Work and Pensions regarding an extension of the Household Support Fund in England for 6 months, Age NI is calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that tackling poverty, and in particular fuel poverty, is made a priority for any extra funding it receives as a result.

We understand that a total of £79 million in extra funding is to go to devolved administrations and we believe it is vital that Northern Ireland’s allocation is used to support those facing financial hardship, including the many older people who will be impacted by the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment in the coming months.

Whilst the additional funding is welcome, Age NI believes that much more needs to be done to address the devastating impact of means testing the Winter Fuel Payment on older people in the longer term.

We are urging the Minister of Finance and the NI Executive to take steps now to reduce the anxiety of many older people who are concerned about how they will manage this winter.”