An SDLP MLA has called for a “separate approach” to the winter fuel payments amid concerns that cuts to the payment would have a “disproportionate impact” in Northern Ireland
However, the UUP has raised concerns about the affordability of deviating from Westminster policy .
In England and Wales the payment is set to be paid only to those in receipt of pension credit or other benefits, affecting an estimated 10 million people.
The future of the payment in the north is a devolved issue but a decision is yet to be made on whether the support will also be reduced here.
If payments are retained they will need to be funded from the existing budget, leading to concerns about affordability.
SDLP MLA Mark Durkan has expressed “serious concerns” about potential cuts to the payment in the north.
“Every winter 290 people die across the north due to cold homes - that number is likely to rise among our elderly population without access to fuel support,” the Foyle MLA said.
“This move will have a disproportionate impact in the north which has the highest rates of fuel poverty in the UK and will hit harder for pensioners living in areas of high deprivation, like Derry and Strabane.”
He added: “It’s clear a separate approach to the winter fuel payment is required in Northern Ireland.”
UUP MLA Andy Allen also expressed concern about cuts to the payment, but said maintaining it as a universal benefit in the north may be “unaffordable”.
“I recognise that the decision regarding the universal distribution of the Winter Fuel Payment in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and in particular the Department for Communities,” he said.
“Nonetheless, any departure from the policy announced by the Chancellor would impose a substantial and likely unaffordable cost on the Department for Communities during a time of growing financial pressure.”
Mr. Allen said he had written to the Prime Minister urging a review of the criteria for Pension Credit.
A spokesperson for Alliance said: “The Communities Minister must look at the impact of the Chancellor’s proposals on local pensioner households, in order to inform the future of the scheme in Northern Ireland.”
A DUP spokesperson said that the decision by the Labour Government “punishes people across the United Kingdom and stands in contrast to their pre-election promises”.
“Parity across the United Kingdom on benefit levels is not just an important principle but carries significant financial implications. It is an issue that will be decided upon by the Northern Ireland Executive, mindful of the financial constraints imposed by the budget,” they added.
Last month, communities minister Gordon Lyons said news of the cut was “disappointing” and would create an “additional financial burden” for those less well off.
In a recent statement a spokesperson for the department said the minister is “engaged in discussions” with the Executive and urged people to check they were in receipt of all the help and support they are entitled to.
Sinn Fein did not respond when asked by the Irish News for their opinion.