Winter fuel: Lyons says 86% of NI pensioners to be eligible for payment

The Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said 86% of pensioners in Northern Ireland will be eligible for the winter fuel payment this year.It comes after the government performed a U-turn on its controversial policy.Labour had initially scrapped the universal payment as a cost saving measure.But now those with an income of £35,000 or below are eligible for the grant.Lyons told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra…