NEA NI Response to the Department for Communities’ Consultation on policy changes to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme
Date: 28th Feb 2025
NEA NI remains deeply concerned about the recent policy changes to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme (WFP), as the revised eligibility criteria is too restrictive. Our concern is not the principle of targeting support but the failure to target it effectively. The changes mean many low-income, vulnerable pensioners – particularly those just above the threshold – will be left without assistance, increasing their risk of living in cold, damp homes.
This Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) outlines that around 14,000 single pensioners will miss out on Pension Credit by £50 or less per week, and 31,000 by £100 or less. These pensioners are now excluded from the WFP despite being marginally above the threshold, which risks exacerbating the fuel poverty crisis. Recent polling by NEA NI suggests as many as 40% of households in NI are already in fuel poverty, with 49% of those aged 65 and over affected.
We are especially critical of how the WFP policy changes were implemented.
You can download the full response from the link under ‘Resources’.
Resources
NEA NI Response to Consumer Council for Northern Ireland: Draft 2025-2026 Forward Work Programme Consultation
31st Mar 2025
NEA NI welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Consumer Council’s Draft 2024-2025 Forward Work Progamme. We work closely with the CCNI across many aspects of this work, but especially in relation to energy issues including consumer protection, empowering consumers,...
NEA NI's Response to the Draft Budget 2025-26 Consultation Questionnaire
13th Mar 2025
We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Department of Finance’s consultation on the overarching draft Budget 2025-26. Our recommendations are driven by the urgent need to end fuel poverty in Northern Ireland, affecting as many as 40% of households...
The Fuel Poverty Coalition NI's Response to the Department for Communities: Consultation on a new Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland
05th Mar 2025
The Fuel Poverty Coalition (FPC) Northern Ireland is united by our ambition to highlight the need for urgent action to eradicate fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. There is clear need for a strategic, cross-departmental, and cross-sectoral approach to tackle NI’s...
NEA NI's Response to the Public Health Agency Draft Corporate Plan 2025-2030 Public Consultation Questionnaire
28th Feb 2025
We warmly welcome the draft Corporate Plan’s commitment to partnership and evidence-based practice. NEA NI is pleased to work in partnership with the PHA through its Northern Exposure Programme, to deliver initiates like the Belfast Warm and Well Project.
NEA NI's Response to the Utility Regulator: Consultation on draft Forward Work Programme 2025/2026
26th Feb 2025
The proposed projects clearly appear to contribute to protecting and empowering consumers in Northern Ireland.
NEA NI Response to the Department for Communities' Consultation on a new Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland
26th Feb 2025
NEA NI has long advocated for an updated Fuel Poverty Strategy, as there is a clear need for a strategic, cross-departmental, and cross-sectoral approach to tackle Northern Ireland’s fuel poverty crisis.
NEA NI's Response to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' Consultation on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission
17th Jan 2025
NEA NI welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission.
NEA NI's Response to the Department for the Economy's Consultation on Support for Low Carbon Heat in the Residential Sector
10th Jan 2025
We support the Department’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving the energy performance of homes.
NEA NI's Response to the Department for the Economy's Consultation on the Design Plan for the Roll-Out of Smart Electricity Meters in Northern Ireland
12th Dec 2024
NEA has a long-standing interest in smart meters and their roll-out in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, particularly with regard to their impact for vulnerable and fuel poor consumers.
NEA NI's Consultation Response to the Draft Programme for Government 2024-2027, ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’
04th Nov 2024
NEA NI commends that the NI Executive has published a draft Programme for Government and we welcome the opportunity to respond to this public consultation.
NEA NI's Response to the Consultation on Department for Communities Budget 2024-25 allocations
03rd Sep 2024
We welcome the opportunity to provide comment on this draft Equality Impact Assessment of the initial decisions taken by the Minister for Communities in relation to the 2024-25 Budget.
NEA NI's Response to the Department of Health Equality Impact Assessment: Budget 2024-25
29th Aug 2024
We welcome the opportunity to respond to this Equality Impact Assessment. Our comments are informed by our research, expertise and extensive experience supporting fuel-poor households and vulnerable energy consumers in Northern Ireland.
NEA NI's Response to the Department for the Economy’s Call for Evidence: Developing Biomethane Production in Northern Ireland
23rd Aug 2024
We welcome the opportunity to respond to this Call for Evidence on developing biomethane production in Northern Ireland.
NEA NI's Response to the Department for the Economy’s Consultation: Utility Regulator (Support for Decarbonisation Preparation) Bill
16th Aug 2024
We welcome the opportunity to respond to this consultation. Our comments are informed by our research, expertise and extensive experience supporting fuel-poor households and vulnerable energy consumers in Northern Ireland.
NEA NI's Response to the Utility Regulator’s Consultation on Energy Supplier Customer Service Levels
28th May 2024
We are pleased that the Utility Regulator (UR) is continuing to look at ways the standards of customer service in the energy supply sector can be improved.
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