| Thousands of pensioners call for action |
 |
 |
 |
|
Tuesday 13 January 2009 As the coldest winter in years continues, unprecedented numbers of older people have been jamming the switchboards at age sector organisations seeking help with their energy bills. Almost two thousand phone calls were made to age sector advice and information lines last week alone. The majority of calls; made by pensioners from across Northern Ireland, concerned the recently announced fuel credit payment, and served to demonstrate the older population’s need for urgent financial assistance. Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, commented: “The fuel credit payment announced in December 2008 was welcome news for many pensioners struggling to heat their homes; but as temperatures have gone down concerns have gone up. The recent cold spell was the last thing older people needed at this time, and as high household bills drop through their doors many are struggling to cope. We urge the Executive to make the most of the new Financial Assistance Bill to help all pensioners this winter, not just a select few.” Seamus Lynch, Public Affairs Officer at Help the Aged in Northern Ireland, said: “Since the fuel credit announcement, no firm details regarding who is entitled to the payment have been provided. This ambiguity has left thousands of pensioners in Northern Ireland very frustrated and confused.” Mr Lynch continued: “The vast majority of pensioners contacting us feel that they should be entitled to the £150 fuel payment; and we would support them in this belief. When considering that up to 51% of those entitled to pension credit do not claim it, automatic payment to all pensioners is necessary to ensure those most in need receive this payment. Discrimination in the provision of this payment would be completely unacceptable; all pensioners should have the right to receive assistance in paying their household bills.” Anne O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Age Concern NI, voiced her concern regarding the level of communication from Government, commenting: “Around two thousand calls were made to age sector advice and information hotlines last week, as confused pensioners queried their eligibility to receive the £150 fuel payment. Information regarding entitlement should have been conveyed to age sector advice workers and to the general public in a clear and open manner; thereby preventing this state of confusion. We call on the Executive to provide clarity regarding this situation as a matter of urgency.” Ms O’Reilly continued: “Despite the confusion, the age sector will continue to provide useful and relevant information through the BT Winter Warmth Hotline. The hotline, which is open every Wednesday from 2pm until 4pm, provides older people from across Northern Ireland with information regarding local community support in their area in addition to general tips on keeping warm over the winter. For those who are struggling over the winter months, it will act as a greatly needed helping hand. The hotline number is 0800 085 0185.” Age Sector Platform, Help the Aged and Age Concern NI, will continue to work with the Assembly, Government Departments and other organisations to ensure that the problems facing older people in Northern Ireland are addressed. |
