Sinn Fein has announced it is deeply concerened over the fuel payment cuts for pensioners.

MLA Colm Gildernew said: "All Executive parties have collectively highlighted deep concerns that one of the first acts of the new British government is to cut fuel payments for pensioners in a letter to the British Prime Minister.

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"People are already struggling with the cost of living including increased fuel and energy bills.

"The new British government needs to leave behind the failed Tory austerity policies of the past 14 years and work to protect workers and families and public services.

"Our collective focus must now be to ensure those pensioners who are most in need of the winter fuel payment get it in a timely manner.

"It is vital that the Executive continues to do all in its power to protect those most in need and I urge the communities minister to bring forward the ‘Anti-Poverty’ and ‘Fuel Poverty’ strategies as soon as possible."