Swann Welcomes Government U-Turn on Winter Fuel Payment

Following the Labour Government's U-turn, pensioners in Northern Ireland will receive a Winter Fuel Payment in the same way as their counterparts in England and Wales.

Welcoming this announcement, South Antrim MP Robin Swann said:

“The Ulster Unionist Party has lobbied for an increase in the income threshold for eligibility for this payment, so this news is very welcome. We will also continue to press for additional support for non-pensioner households.

“In the Commons chamber, the Government have given me their assurances that the funding uplift to cover the cost of rollout in Northern Ireland will be provided in-year. I'll be holding them to that to ensure that this is delivered. The legislation required for these payments to be given in Northern Ireland is set to be completed by the end of July.

“The payment will be given to everybody over the state pension age in Northern Ireland this winter and HMRC will automatically recover the payment from those who are not eligible. Pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 per year or less will be eligible for the payment.”