Proposed cuts in winter fuel payments 'indefensible'

The local representative (pictured right) said reports that the Government could make the move and also cut some payments would hit thousands of the most vulnerable in the community.

Alderman McClure described winter fuel allowances as a lifeline for older people and argued that proposals to take payments away from younger pensioners were simply discriminatory.

He said: “I am appalled by national reports that as part of its cost-cutting drive, the Government is seriously proposing to raise the age of entitlement for fuel payments from 60 to at least 66. In my book that is tantamount to age discrimination.

“This is worry news for elderly people. I dont think we should be aiming these cuts at the elderly and vulnerable.

The fuel poverty in some areas of the Coleraine Borough is high. If the Government implements these cuts it will be cutting off people who have paid into the system all their lives and who will suffer most. That is a tragedy.”

Alderman McClure added: With energy prices set to soar next year, the winter fuel payment is an absolute lifeline for so many local people in later life.

“Older people should not have to choose between heating their home or going without other essentials.

“According to the National Pensioners Convention the winter death rate amongst older people is a national scandal and getting worse. Last winter in the UK over 36,700 pensioners died of cold-related illnesses - a staggering total of 13 pensioners every hour.”