10. Mr Butler asked the Minister for Communities how many recipients of the winter fuel payment will no longer be eligible as a result of proposed changes to the scheme. (AQO 775/22-27)

Two hundred and forty nine thousand, six hundred.

I thank the Minister for his answer, which was given with brevity. Two hundred and forty nine thousand is an incredible number; it is almost a quarter of a million. Will the Minister detail the concerns that he has raised about the disproportionate effect that it will have on pensioners in Northern Ireland, given that it is a disproportionate number? Will his Department introduce a support scheme, such as the previous emergency fuel payment scheme, to assist householders who are in need?

I have raised the issue and highlighted the impact with UK Ministers on a number of occasions, including with Ministers in the NIO and different Ministers in DWP and elsewhere. To put the number in context, it is over 80% of pensioners in Northern Ireland. So, it is not just the rich, millionaires or people who can easily afford it: many people who are just above the threshold are going to be significantly impacted by the decision.

Regarding mitigation, we will certainly do what is in our power. We need to wait to see what Barnett consequentials might be available. We then need to make sure that we help those who are in need.