Thursday 28 October 2010

Statistics released this week detailing the level of fuel poverty amongst older people in Northern Ireland have been described as ‘shocking, but not surprising’ by a prominent campaigning organisation representing older people in Northern Ireland.

Age Sector Platform, which represents around 200,000 older people here, says that older people’s incomes must be increased in order to tackle the issue. 

Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, commented: “Considering that over 700 older people died of cold related illnesses during the last winter in Northern Ireland, it is clear that fuel poverty really has life or death consequences for many older people.  Income is a major factor in the level of fuel poverty, which is why a delegation of older people from Age Sector Platform travelled to Westminster this week to discuss the level of the state pension and emphasise the importance of the winter fuel payment with Northern Ireland MPs.”

“Following the spending review announcement, it seems that the Coalition Government does not plan to maintain the payment at its current level of £250 (and £400 for the over 80s), but will revert the payment to its original amount of £200 (and £300).  Any cut in the winter fuel payment will have devastating consequences for older people here.  In fact, pensioners in Northern Ireland are twice as likely to be dependant on the state pension and other benefits as those living in Great Britain.  Inadequate income for pensioners is a massive issue which must be addressed.”

“The Department for Social Development (DSD) recently consulted on a draft strategy to tackle fuel poverty, but we believe this strategy is more focussed on energy efficiency measures.  More needs to be done in the areas of income and energy prices.  DSD can not solve this problem alone and the NI Assembly needs to take collective responsibility if we are to make any headway in tackling this issue.  In addition to increasing, or at least maintaining the current winter fuel payment, the introduction of social tariffs could help to protect the most vulnerable from any hikes in energy prices in the future.”

“These statistics are shocking but not surprising, considering the low level of priority this issue has been given by both Westminster and Stormont.  Both governments need to prioritise this issue and set a date and develop a strategy for ending pensioner poverty.”

To view more photographs from Westminster click HERE and select '2010', then 'Pensioners Manifesto Campaign'.