“We don’t feel appreciated”

Pensioners called for the reintroduction of winter fuel charges at a rally in Stormont organized by the National Convention of Pensioners.

Protesters marched from the gates of Stormont to the Houses of Parliament.

“When pensioners are attacked, what do we do – we stand up and fight,” they chanted.

Meeting participants said low-income retired workers in Northern Ireland would be disproportionately affected by a move to reduce winter fuel payments for those receiving pension credit.

There is “no choice” but to follow Westminster

It is estimated that around 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland will not receive the Winter Fuel Allowance this year under the plans, meaning the money will only be paid to people on low incomes who receive certain benefits.

Earlier, Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons said it was “disappointing” that the government had not consulted the devolved authorities on the decision and that the Northern Ireland executive had “no option but to follow suit”.

Pensioners ‘were unable to budget’

Speaking at the rally, Dympna McGlade, of Unite Retired Members, said the move had not allowed retirees to budget for the winter.

She said: “Leaders are blaming Westminster but this is a devolved issue – we need to step up and show leadership.

“The manager did not consult with retirees and did not base his decision on any solid data.”

John Martin, regional secretary of the National Convention of Pensioners and Pensioners in Northern Ireland, said the rally was held on Monday in conjunction with similar protests in the rest of the UK.

“The government has chosen people who are least able to fight, but we will fight,” he said.

Five people wearing yellow reflective jackets hold a banner that says: defend winter fuel payments. In the background you can see other posters saying — Protesters marched from the gates of Stormont to the steps of the Houses of Parliament (BBC)

Margaret Galloway, of the National Convention of Pensioners, said: “If we had known this was coming we could have saved so we did have a bit more for fuel – but just to have it forced upon us in this way – leaves us feeling underappreciated – and not valued at all “

Mark H. Durkan, who is bald, wears a black suit, white shirt and red plaid tie. — Mark H. Durkan says while you need to save money, failure to make payments ‘will come at a cost’ (BBC)

Mark H Durkan, SDLP MLA for Foyle, said there was a low uptake of pension credit in Northern Ireland to qualify for winter fuel payments.

“You should save money. We are realists.

“But we also need to take into account the costs of not providing this payment, especially to vulnerable retirees, those who are just above the threshold,” he said.

“I think it was a lazy approach to the matter,” he added.