Stormont to make decision on winter fuel payments

The NI Finance Minister says the Executive will have to discuss the issue

Stormont ministers will have to decide whether to follow the UK government’s decision to restrict winter fuel payments.

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, says the payment will now be subject to a means test in England and Wales.

The NI Finance Minister, Caomihe Archibald, says the Executive will have to discuss the issue.

If the Executive decided to maintain it as a universal benefit, they would have to fund it from their existing budget.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald said the decision on the winter fuel payments will be a matter for the Executive to consider.

“Ultimately, we do need to see our most vulnerable citizens protected and we need to see the out workings what has been announced today," she said.

What is the winter fuel payment?

The winter fuel payment is a benefit paid to pensioners, designed to help them afford the higher energy bills that come with keeping a home warm during the winter.

It is between £100 and £300, depending on the age of the recipient and whether or not they live alone.

The Chancellor says those who are not in receipt of pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer receive the payment.

Pension credit is a benefit paid to people on low incomes who are above state pension age.

Social security is almost entirely devolved to Stormont, though in practice Northern Ireland normally maintains parity with the rest of the UK.

That is because pensions and benefits are paid directly by the UK government, but if Stormont wanted to have a more generous system, it would have to find the money from the budget for other public services.

After the major welfare changes introduced by the Conservative/ Lib Dem coalition Stormont chose to pay for some mitigating measures.

How much funding will the Executive receive?

Meanwhile, the minister said it is unclear how much additional money the Executive will get as a result of the Chancellor’s announcement.

Ms Reeves said the government intends to spend more than £9bn on public sector pay settlements which will in turn mean more money for Stormont.

However, the Chancellor wants to fund £3bn of that by finding savings from existing budgets.

Until that savings exercise is completed it will not be clear how much new money will be available for Stormont.

It could be close to October’s budget before ministers will have clarity.