Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has warmly welcomed the roll out of the Social Protection Fund which was established by the Executive to assist those most in need within the wider community. The £22Million winter fuel payment announcement was made by OFMDFM.
Councillor Patrick Clarke stated: “I welcome the announcement by OFMDFM that a one of special payment of £75 is being made to over 150,000 persons in receipt of Income support; Income Related Employment and Support Allowance; and Income Based Job Seekers Allowance.
“There will also be a one of special payment shortly of £100 to over 96,000 Pension Credit recipients, which will make a big difference to pensioners particularly considering the high price of solid fuel and home heating oil in recent times.
“The payments each respectively of £75 and £100 to persons in receipt of Income support; Income Related Employment and Support Allowance; Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, and pension credit recipients will greatly assist some of the most vulnerable who are finding it very difficult to heart their homes with rising fuel costs.
“This special one of payment by way of the Social Protection Fund is long overdue and will be made payable to those eligible within the next few days.”
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