'It's either fuel or food'

Pensioners at a tea dance in Belfast have reacted to cuts on winter fuel payments.

One said people may be forced to make a choice between fuel and food.

Another added that she can't "put more blankets on" than she already does.

On Tuesday, an attempt in the Commons to block cuts to the winter fuel allowance failed, after MPs voted down an opposition motion by 348 to 228.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said that it was "disappointing" that the UK government did not consult the devolved administrations about the decision.

Under the plans, it is estimated about 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland will not receive a winter fuel payment this year.

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