Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has welcomed the finance minister’s decision to ring-fence £17 million to help mitigate the British government’s cut to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Colm Gildernew said:

“I welcome the announcement that Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald has prioritised protecting our most vulnerable pensioners by allocating £17 million to mitigate against the British government’s shameful cut to the Winter Fuel Payment.

“With fuel and energy bills still high, this funding is a positive step and will help to support those most in need.

“The British government’s cut to the Winter Fuel Payment was wrong and unfairly targeted struggling pensioners.

“I would urge the communities minister to now ensure those pensioners who are most in need of the Winter Fuel Payment get this additional support and in a timely manner.

“The minister must also bring forward the ‘Anti-Poverty’ and ‘Fuel Poverty’ strategies without delay.”