Fuel allowance eligibility must be extended now
Labour social protection spokesperson Sean Sherlock has today (Tuesday, 12th April) demanded that fuel allowance eligibility criteria be extended to offset the cost of living crisis without delay.
Responding to proposals set to be signed off by Cabinet, Deputy Sherlock said:
“While we appreciate the reported increase in the fuel allowance will help some people, many on low and fixed incomes will be left out in the cold.
“We believe now is the time to increase the eligibility criteria for fuel allowance based on Building Energy Rating (BER) ratings. Over half a million households will qualify and over 300,000 older people on fixed incomes will qualify. That can make a huge difference.
“We need to bring older people in from the cold. Government should also move to create a second band of eligibility for fuel allowance. The payment can be made at a half rate to assist people who are over the income threshold on the existing criteria and pinned to their collar. They have the power and the resources to do it and they must get on with the job without delay.”