November 27 is fuel poverty awareness day. The Unite retired members branch in Belfast is marking the day by sounding the alarm on the growing fuel poverty crisis facing pensioners across Northern Ireland.

The winter fuel payment is a vital lifeline for pensioners in the colder months. The government’s recent decision to means-test the payment will remove a vital safety net at a time when pensioners at risk of fuel poverty need protection.

Joint branch secretary, Mary Jo McReynolds said: “With some of the highest energy costs in Europe, harsh winters, and poorly insulated housing, many older citizens are being forced to choose between heating their homes and meeting other essential needs. Unite is calling for the immediate distribution of the promised £17 million by Stormont as a first step in restoring winter fuel payments to all pensioners.

“Universal access to the winter fuel payment treats pensioners with dignity and fairness. We strongly oppose means testing. It only creates administrative hurdles, excludes vulnerable individuals and undermines equity.”

Unite is calling on the NI Executive to allocate a further £27 million to fully restore universal winter fuel payments. It is also calling for efforts to promote uptake of pension credit among the 26,000 eligible who are currently missing out, the introduction of a comprehensive energy efficiency programme and publication of an updated and improved fuel poverty strategy for Northern Ireland.

Unite retired member Declan Lagan said: “The combination of rising energy costs, inadequate housing and low incomes places pensioners at significant risk. Cold homes are not just uncomfortable—they are dangerous, with serious health consequences for older people. On this fuel poverty awareness day, we urge communities minister Gordon Lyons and the Northern Ireland executive to take decisive action. Protect universal winter fuel payments, address the scandal of unclaimed benefits and invest in long-term solutions to tackle fuel poverty at its roots.”