'We don't feel valued' - Call to restore winter fuel payment

Margaret Galloway says the executive should not have followed Westminster

Pensioners have called for the restoration of winter fuel payments at a rally at Stormont organised by the National Pensioners’ Convention.

Protesters marched from the gates of Stormont to parliament buildings.

"When pensioners are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back, " they chanted.

Those attending said low-income retired workers in Northern Ireland will be disproportionately impacted by a move to limit winter fuel payment to those receiving pension credit.

'No choice' but to follow Westminster

Protestors gathered with placards at Stormont

Under the plans, it is estimated about 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland will not receive a winter fuel payment this year - which would see money only paid to those on low incomes who receive certain benefits.

Previously the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said that it was "disappointing" that the government did not consult the devolved administrations about the decision and that the Northern Ireland Executive has "no choice but to follow suit".

Pensioners have 'not been able to budget'

Protesters walked up Prince of Wales avenue towards parliament buildings

Speaking at the rally Dympna McGlade, from Unite Retired Members, said the move has not allowed pensioners to budget for the winter.

She said: "The executives blame Westminster but it's a devolved matter - we need to level up and show some leadership.

"The executive didn't consult with pensioners and didn't base their decision on any solid data."

John Martin, the Regional Secretary of the National Pensioners’ Convention in Northern Ireland, said the rally was taking place in conjunction with similar one across the rest of the UK on Monday.

"The government has picked on the people who are least able to fight - but we will fight back," he said.

'We don't feel valued'

Protesters marched from the gates of Stormont to parliament buildings steps

Margaret Galloway, National Pensioners Convention, said: “If we had have known this was coming we could have saved so we did have a little more ahead for fuel – but for it just to be sprung upon us like this – it leaves you feeling undervalued – and not valued at all .”

Mark H Durkan says while money must be saved, not providing the payment will "come at a cost"

SDLP MLA for Foyle, Mark H Durkan, said that Northern Ireland has a low uptake for pension credit, a qualifying credit to receive winter fuel payments.

“Money does need to be saved. We are realistic.

"However we also have to look at the cost of not providing this payment, particularly to those vulnerable pensioners, people who are just above the threshold," he said.

"I think this was a lazy approach to it,” he added.