Fuel Payments Fail To Halt Pensioners' Protest

As protesting pensioners take to the streets of Belfast today, demanding what they call a "decent pension", the Department for Social Development is poised to make a fresh round of additional fuel payments.

The payment of £150 will be made to those in receipt of Pension Credit and those receiving Income Support with housing benefit or housing loan, during the qualifying period.

This follows the report of a Ministerial Fuel Poverty Task Force and a subsequent government decision to help vulnerable people meet fuel costs.

However, the extra cash has failed to impress those on pensions, with a rally taking place Belfast outside City Hall.

It is one of 50 being held across the UK as part of a national day of action organised by the National Pensioners' Convention (NPC).

The series of demonstrations are against a backdrop of a modest jump in the state pension - which increases by £4.55 to £95.25 for a single person - a rise the NPC branded inadequate during a time of extreme hardship for older people.

The rally is being backed by the Age Sector Platform and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions - and even Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds, (pictured) who will be among the speakers.

Speaking today, Dorothy Hanna, President of the NPC Northern Ireland region, who is chairing the rally, said: "We know that only a decent state pension provides an effective and reliable way of guaranteeing real financial security in retirement.

"Our state pension is one of the worst in Europe, this is shocking.

"A fair pension would eradicate many of the income related problems facing older people caused by unfair means-testing, low benefit uptake, a weak private pensions system and a staggeringly low interest rate," she insisted.

Earlier the NI Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, welcomed the fresh fuel payments.

"I welcome that after all our work through 2008, I am able to announce the Household Fuel Payment of £150 which will be paid to households before Easter.

"In total £22.5million will be paid to 150,000 low income families and the elderly and will go some way to meeting energy costs, which still remain very high."

Minister Ritchie added: "Payments will be made through the benefits system and eligible households will receive the payment through their bank account, post office card account or by cheque.

"I know it will be of benefit to many households facing fuel poverty and economic hardship this year," she said.

See: Pensioners Benefit From 5% Increase In State Pension

(BMcC)