Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has criticised the Chancellor's decision to limit the winter fuel payment saying "warmth is a necessity, not a luxury".

Mr Lyons said the news will impact many in society by creating a financial burden as the decision "comes amid a range of cost-of-living pressures, which will be unwelcome for some and intolerable for many".

In a statement, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said:

"The announcement to limit the Winter Fuel Payment is disappointing news which will impact upon many in our society. For those who are less well off, it creates an additional financial burden. It also comes amid a range of cost-of-living pressures, which will be unwelcome for some and intolerable for many.

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"Warmth is a necessity, not a luxury. Depriving older people of the means to heat their homes is not only difficult for pensioners facing fuel poverty but is likely to have a detrimental impact on their physical and mental health.

"I will be providing an update for my Executive colleagues in due course. In the meantime, I would ask everyone to check their benefit entitlements, and ensure they claim all the benefits, supports and services that are available to them. Pension Credit, in particular, is a vital top-up for those on low incomes."