Ritchie Slams Theresa May Over Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

SDLP candidate for South Down, Margaret Ritchie, has railed against Tory plans to cut the Winter Fuel Payment for thousands of pensioners.

Responding to Conservative Party’s plans to introduce a means-test in the Winter Fuel Payment, Ms Ritchie said: “Theresa May called this election to give herself a strong hand for Brexit and a free hand to cut welfare and pensions. The attack on the Winter Fuel Allowance is only the beginning of cuts that a Tory  Government would implement.

“The Winter Fuel Payment is essential to ensure our pensioners do not fall into fuel poverty and are at greater risk of all of the associated health ailments this could bring.”

“This latest move from the Tories demonstrates why we need as many MP’s as ever to go to Westminster to take on the Tories.”