Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what the Barnett consequentials are for Northern Ireland arising from the expansion of the provision of entitlement to winter fuel payments for pensioners in England and Wales.

From 2025-26, all individuals over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income below £35,000 will be eligible to benefit from the Winter Fuel Payment. Pensioners in England and Wales above this threshold can either opt out or will be liable to have the payment reclaimed automatically through the personal tax system.

The Office for Budget Responsibility will incorporate the final costings into its forecast at the Budget later this year. As the Winter Fuel Payment is devolved in Northern Ireland, there will be an increase in Northern Ireland Executive funding through the AME forecast processes. This increased funding will be confirmed at the Budget.