The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Eddie Lynch said:
“Today I welcome the announcement by the Chancellor that the Government has committed to the triple lock policy and state pensions will now rise in line with inflation. This will bring some hope to older people at a time when many are living in genuine fear about how they will get through the winter months and the cost-of-living crisis.
This increase will only come into effect from April so older people will need further financial support to get through the winter. I am very frustrated that we still have no clarity in NI on details of the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme, while people in GB have started receiving the payments in October. This needs to be addressed urgently. Older people need to know when this help is coming and when payments will be received, to allow them to factor this in when paying their bills this winter.”
