Calls for increase in fuel allowance and for a ‘meaningful and significant’ increase to State Pension

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

With colder weather returning, the September meeting of Sligo County Council heard calls for the upcoming Budget to allocate additional funds to those availing of the fuel allowance.

Cllr Arthur Gibbons’ motion called on “The Minister for Social Protection and the Government to increase the fuel allowance to a level that properly reflects current heating costs and further calls on the Government to introduce a mechanism whereby the fuel allowance is regularly reviewed and linked to increases in domestic heating costs, ensuring that the value of payment does not fall behind as energy prices rise.”

Speaking to the motion, Cllr Gibbons said, “The cost of heating a home has placed enormous pressure on older people, pensioners, people with disabilities, families and households on low incomes. The Fuel Allowance must provide meaningful support and must not be allowed to fall further behind the real cost of keeping a home warm.

“It is simply not good enough for the Government to make occasional adjustments while heating and energy costs continue to rise. We need a proper system where the Fuel Allowance is reviewed regularly and automatically reflects increases in domestic heating costs.”

Cllr Gibbons insisted nobody should have to choose between heat or food saying, “People should not have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. No one should be forced to sit in a cold home because they cannot afford to turn on their heating.

“With the Government preparing for the upcoming Budget, this is the time for action. I am calling on the Minister for Social Protection and the Government to significantly increase the Fuel Allowance and put in place a long-term mechanism that protects its value into the future.

“This is about ensuring that the Fuel Allowance actually does what it is intended to do — help people heat their homes with dignity and without fear of unaffordable energy bills.”

In a separate motion before the meeting, Cllr Gibbons also called for the forthcoming budget to “Deliver a meaningful and significant increase in the State pension, reflecting the real pressures facing older people today.”

Speaking to the motion, Cllr Gibbons said, “Older people cannot be asked to wait another year while the cost of living continues to put enormous pressure on household finances.

“A small increase that is quickly swallowed up by rising prices is simply not enough. Pensioners need and deserve a meaningful and significant increase in the State Pension in Budget 2027.

“Older people have worked hard, paid their taxes and made an enormous contribution to our communities and our country. They should be able to live their retirement with dignity, security and peace of mind.

“The Government must use Budget 2027 to deliver a pension increase that genuinely reflects the cost of living. This cannot be kicked down the road or deferred until another Budget.

“The State Pension should also be regularly reviewed to ensure its value does not fall behind increases in the cost of essential goods and services.”

Cllr Gibbons concluded by stressing, “The message from this Council is clear: Budget 2027 must deliver a substantial increase for pensioners.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.