The government has come under pressure to extend the fuel allowance eligibility criteria to support more households struggling with the rising cost of living.

Labour representative Sean Sherlock has expressed concern that the scheme will leave those on low and fixed incomes out in the cold.

Deputy Sherlock said: "We believe now is the time to increase the eligibility criteria for fuel allowance based on Building Energy Rating (BER) ratings. Over half a million households will qualify and over 300,000 older people on fixed incomes will qualify. That can make a huge difference.

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"We need to bring older people in from the cold. Government should also move to create a second band of eligibility for fuel allowance. The payment can be made at a half rate to assist people who are over the income threshold on the existing criteria and pinned to their collar. They have the power and the resources to do it and they must get on with the job without delay."