Ethel fears cuts will leave pensioners out in the cold

Rodney Edwards • Published 26 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Keeping warm. Pensioner Ethel Oldcroft relaxing in her Coleshill home.

CUTS to the annual Winter Fuel Payment could be “dangerous” for pensioners in Fermanagh, say critics.

Claims that the Government are to increase the qualifying age from 60 to at least 66 and cut the payment for some consumers have been met with much concern. The Consumer Council have ordered an “urgent review” to ensure the payment “adequately targets consumers” in fuel poverty.

71-year-old Ethel Oldcroft has lived in Coleshill Crescent for 45 years with her husband Charlie, who is recovering from heart surgery. Mrs. Oldcroft says the Winter Fuel Payment is “vital” to pensioners like her and her husband.

“If pensioners have to break into their pensions to pay for oil they’ll be short of money for things like food and they’ll starve themselves. I’ve heard of this happening before. I know people who are scrimping and saving and not turning on the heat. Pensioners must get this vital payment every year, they must. There are more older people in the world now than there are younger people and the Government need to look after them a bit better,” she said.

Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew says any cuts would be “absolutely scandalous”.

“Those who are in genuine need of extra help and fit the criteria should get it. We can’t have a situation in the coming winter months of people sitting in their homes, worrying that they are going to lose their payment and being left with no heat and no hot water. When people can’t afford to heat their homes it will inevitably lead to more health and social problems in our communities. Keeping your home warm and comfortable should not become a luxury it should be right. The message needs to go out loud and clear: hands off the Winter Fuel Payment.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Raymond Farrell says it is “imperative” that the Government come out and state their intentions.

“They must reassure our elderly from undue worry and distress at this time. With the increase in the cost of grocery and basic items like a loaf of bread I feel this is adding to peoples’ anxieties. Statistics show that there was an increase in deaths of older people in Northern Ireland in the Winter of 2008/2009. The fact that there are more people over the age of 50 in the country and this will increase by 33 per cent in the incoming years indicates very clearly that the Government must think ahead and not in the short term about money saving strategies. These are a matter of life and death for many,” he said.

Pensioners currently in receipt of Pension Credit and Attendance allowance could be entitled to schemes such as Cavity Wall insulation and Water Tank covers for their homes, says Mr. Farrell. For further guidance and advice, contact the Warm Home Scheme on 0800 988 0559.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 26 Aug 10

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