Northern Ireland’s Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has urged the Labour Government to fully reinstate the universal winter fuel payment, following recent comments by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer suggesting the scheme could be widened “as the economy improves.”
While welcoming the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of concerns over the controversial means-testing of the benefit, Mr Lyons said the statement “did not go far enough” to address the growing hardship faced by pensioners in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
Last year’s decision by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to means-test the previously universal payment — worth up to £300 — was met with widespread criticism. In Northern Ireland alone, approximately 250,000 pensioners were affected by the change. Mr Lyons’ department stepped in at the time to provide a supplementary £100 fuel support payment to help offset the impact.
Speaking from Stormont, the Minister said: “My opposition to restricting eligibility for the winter fuel payment has been absolute, and I am glad that the Labour Government has now recognised that error.
“However, this mistake can only be fully rectified by the reinstatement of a universal winter fuel payment that protects all pensioners, regardless of income. Many older people who fall just outside the eligibility thresholds are still struggling to heat their homes, and this policy change left them unfairly exposed.”
Mr Lyons went on to challenge the Government’s broader welfare strategy, calling for urgent reassurances amid concerns over proposals to cut the health element of Universal Credit and restrict access to Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
“As with the winter fuel payment changes, I have raised my concerns on the recent welfare reform proposals directly with the Government and Department of Work and Pensions ministers,” he said.
“Any such reform must ensure that the most vulnerable are protected. It’s critical that those who can be supported into work are given the financial and structural support they need, but that cannot come at the expense of those who cannot work due to illness, age or disability.”
Sir Keir Starmer’s remarks, made during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, were seen by some as an early sign of a potential reversal in policy. “As the economy improves,” he said, “we want to look at what more can be done, including expanding eligibility for winter fuel payments.”
However, critics argue that pensioners facing real-time cost-of-living pressures cannot afford to wait for vague future improvements in the economy. Consumer energy bills remain well above pre-pandemic levels, and forecasts suggest they are unlikely to return to previous norms in the near future.
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Campaigners and advocacy groups in Northern Ireland echoed Mr Lyons’ concerns. Age NI Chief Executive Linda Robinson said: “While targeted support can be helpful, it’s clear that many older people are still being left behind. A universal winter fuel payment helps remove the stigma and confusion that means-testing can create, and ensures help gets to those who need it most — without unnecessary bureaucracy.”
The Department for Communities has reported a notable rise in calls to its helpline from pensioners struggling with energy costs, with many citing confusion over eligibility and concern about being left out of vital support.
Mr Lyons concluded his statement with a direct appeal: “I appreciate that the welfare bill must be managed responsibly, but we must not do so on the backs of our older generation. They have contributed for decades, and they deserve dignity, security and warmth in retirement. I call on the Labour Government to provide immediate clarity on this issue and to do the right thing by reinstating the winter fuel payment for all pensioners.”
As pressure mounts on Downing Street to revisit its welfare and pensions policy, the coming weeks may prove pivotal in shaping how the new Government addresses one of its first major social policy tests.
