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08/12/2008
Cancer Patients Face Fuel Poverty, Says Charity
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has been urged to widen the criteria for beneficiaries of the government's fuel payment scheme, to assist those suffering from terminal illnesses.
It has been claimed cancer patients are among those who need the most urgent help.
Macmillan Cancer Support said covering fuel cost can pose a huge stress for those suffering from the disease.
It is expected the problem could be even worse this years, after a number hikes in energy prices.
MLA were due to debate the issue at Stormont (pictured) today where North Down Assembly Member Leslie Cree had tabled a question for Ms Ritchie asking whether there are plans to extend the winter fuel allowance to cancer patients.
People over 60 in the Province are entitled to the winter fuel payment.
However, around 600 under the age of 60 die of cancer in Northern Ireland every year.
Extending the scheme to these individuals would cost around £150,000 annually.
Heather Monteverde, Macmillan's General Manager for Northern Ireland, said: "We believe that all cancer patients diagnosed in the last year should qualify for a winter fuel payment, regardless of whether or not they receive a disability payment.
"Urgent action needs to be taken to help the terminally ill," she added.
(PR)
It has been claimed cancer patients are among those who need the most urgent help.
Macmillan Cancer Support said covering fuel cost can pose a huge stress for those suffering from the disease.
It is expected the problem could be even worse this years, after a number hikes in energy prices.
MLA were due to debate the issue at Stormont (pictured) today where North Down Assembly Member Leslie Cree had tabled a question for Ms Ritchie asking whether there are plans to extend the winter fuel allowance to cancer patients.
People over 60 in the Province are entitled to the winter fuel payment.
However, around 600 under the age of 60 die of cancer in Northern Ireland every year.
Extending the scheme to these individuals would cost around £150,000 annually.
Heather Monteverde, Macmillan's General Manager for Northern Ireland, said: "We believe that all cancer patients diagnosed in the last year should qualify for a winter fuel payment, regardless of whether or not they receive a disability payment.
"Urgent action needs to be taken to help the terminally ill," she added.
(PR)
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20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
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14 October 2013
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
21 September 2005
Over 60's urged not to miss out on fuel payments
People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, have been advised to check if they are eligible.
Over 60's urged not to miss out on fuel payments
People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, have been advised to check if they are eligible.
02 December 2002
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:This evening will be dry. Then the rest of the night will be mainly dry and mostly cloudy, although rain may reach the north coast later. Windy. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
