Menu
22/11/2001
Minister hails strategy against “fuel poverty”
Nigel Dodds, the Minister for Social Development, has spoken out about the “blight” of fuel poverty and its contribution to deaths from cold-related illnesses in Northern Ireland.
Mr Dodds was speaking in response to the publication of the new UK Fuel Poverty Strategy, hailing it as a valuable tool in the fight for warm, safe homes.
He said: “The new strategy recognises that fuel poverty is a problem across the whole of the UK and proposes a co-ordinated approach to tackle it. It is not acceptable that 170,000 households in Northern Ireland should have to struggle to keep warm each winter.”
He went on to assure that the Government was already taking steps to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland by directly assisting households affected by a combination of low income, poor home energy efficiency and high fuel costs. This includes the Warm Homes Scheme - launched in July of this year – which aims to help over 4,000 householders by provides heating and insulation measures for over 60s in receipt of certain qualifying benefits. Families with young children can also qualify for the Warm Homes Scheme.
Mr Dodds added: “Many older people will enjoy a warmer Christmas this year thanks both to the Warm Homes Scheme and the Winter Fuel Payment which led to 275,000 people in Northern Ireland being paid a total of £57 million to help with their fuel bills.” (CL)
Mr Dodds was speaking in response to the publication of the new UK Fuel Poverty Strategy, hailing it as a valuable tool in the fight for warm, safe homes.
He said: “The new strategy recognises that fuel poverty is a problem across the whole of the UK and proposes a co-ordinated approach to tackle it. It is not acceptable that 170,000 households in Northern Ireland should have to struggle to keep warm each winter.”
He went on to assure that the Government was already taking steps to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland by directly assisting households affected by a combination of low income, poor home energy efficiency and high fuel costs. This includes the Warm Homes Scheme - launched in July of this year – which aims to help over 4,000 householders by provides heating and insulation measures for over 60s in receipt of certain qualifying benefits. Families with young children can also qualify for the Warm Homes Scheme.
Mr Dodds added: “Many older people will enjoy a warmer Christmas this year thanks both to the Warm Homes Scheme and the Winter Fuel Payment which led to 275,000 people in Northern Ireland being paid a total of £57 million to help with their fuel bills.” (CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 December 2002
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
20 September 2005
Minister affirms plan for vulnerable people
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the problems faced by vulnerable people in Northern Ireland.
Minister affirms plan for vulnerable people
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the problems faced by vulnerable people in Northern Ireland.
23 November 2004
Government launch strategy on fuel poverty
A new strategy aimed at tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland was launched today by the Government. ‘Ending Fuel Poverty: A Strategy for Northern Ireland’, through its ‘Warm Homes Scheme’, aims to eradicate fuel poverty “for all vulnerable groups and those who live in social housing by 2010 and in non-vulnerable households by 2016”.
Government launch strategy on fuel poverty
A new strategy aimed at tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland was launched today by the Government. ‘Ending Fuel Poverty: A Strategy for Northern Ireland’, through its ‘Warm Homes Scheme’, aims to eradicate fuel poverty “for all vulnerable groups and those who live in social housing by 2010 and in non-vulnerable households by 2016”.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
15 November 2005
Minister pledges to eradicate fuel poverty
Everyone should be able to live in a house which is comfortable, fit and warm, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today.
Minister pledges to eradicate fuel poverty
Everyone should be able to live in a house which is comfortable, fit and warm, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
