Sinn Féin MLA, Colm Gildernew, has challenged Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons on the potential impact of the government's decision to introduce means-testing for winter fuel payments. 

Mr. Gildernew's question focused on how this change might exacerbate fuel poverty in Northern Ireland, particularly for vulnerable populations like pensioners and rural residents.

In response, Minister Lyons acknowledged the significant repercussions of the decision, stating that restricting winter fuel payments will impose an additional financial burden on many households already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

The Minister also reiterated his strong opposition to the decision, which he has communicated directly to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

"A household is considered to be in fuel poverty if it spends more than 10 per cent of its income on fuel," Minister Lyons said.

"The last house condition survey found that 31 per cent of households with at least one person of pensionable age are likely to be in fuel poverty. 

"This rate increases to 38 per cent for households headed by someone over 75," the Minister explained, adding that the fuel poverty strategy would be revised to address the impact on those most at risk, particularly pensioners who may no longer qualify for support under the new means-tested system.

Mr. Gildernew pressed further, asking what steps the Minister would take to mitigate the impact on rural households, which he said often lack access to affordable heating options like natural gas. 

The Minister admitted that rural homes are disproportionately affected by fuel poverty and stated that this issue would be addressed in both the fuel poverty and energy strategies.

Other MLAs also raised concerns about the broader implications of the policy shift.

The DUP's Diane Forsythe inquired whether the new strategy would take into account cuts made by the Labour Government to winter fuel payments, to which Minister Lyons confirmed that the strategy would need to adapt to these changes. 

SDLP MLA, Mark Durkan, highlighted the need for the Housing Executive to prioritize pensioners in its affordable warmth scheme, especially given the recent budget cuts of 53 per cent to the scheme.

The Minister acknowledged the budgetary challenges and the need to explore innovative solutions to support those most in need. He also noted the potential hidden costs of the policy change, suggesting that the estimated £44 million savings in Northern Ireland could be overshadowed by increased healthcare costs, as more people might require medical attention due to inadequate heating.

People Before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, criticized the move towards means-testing arguing that it undermines the benefits of universal public support systems like the winter fuel payment. 

Minister Lyons responded by clarifying that the decision was made by the UK Government and that the Northern Ireland Executive lacks the financial resources and administrative means to maintain the universal scheme independently.