South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Support for Heat or Eat Rally

Published: 18 November, 2008

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has said that more needs to be done to ensure that elderly people do not have to choose between heat and eat this winter.


Mr Maskey was speaking in support of yesterday's rally held in Stormont by Age Concern.


The South Belfast MLA said,

"Age Concern held a rally yesterday to highlight the plight of pensioners who are sometimes forced to decide between eating or heating their homes. It is important that the Warm Homes Grant is adequate to meet the needs of pensioners. While the price of fuel has increased dramatically the grant has remained the same leaving many pensioners unable to afford a tank of heating oil.


"As benefits are the remit of the British government it is important that this campaign is supported so that the British government is forced to act to ensure pensioners don't have to decide between food or fuel.


"Sinn Féin is in favour of having the grant increased and for benefits to be paid automatically and as such we fully support the rally".

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