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12/11/2021
Stormont Finance Minister Calls For VAT Exemption On Energy Bills
Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy has called for a VAT exemption on energy bills.
Mr Murphy made the call to the Treasury as gas prices continue to increase in Northern Ireland.
On Thursday, Firms Energy announced it is to to put up prices by 38% from 03 December due to the increase in global energy costs.
SSE Airtricity previously announced a 21.8% rise in gas prices.
Mr Murphy said he has written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury asking that the VAT costs of 5% for domestic consumers and 20% for businesses are waived for a period of time.
He said: "The cost of living crisis is severely impacting many of our citizens, causing further hardship for families and businesses during an already difficult time.
"Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen workers, businesses and families struggle immensely.
"Many will now continue to face significant financial challenges as we move through the winter period, with households and businesses coming under even more pressure given spiralling energy prices.
"I am calling on Treasury to act now and suspend VAT on energy bills temporarily to support the many families and businesses facing a very uncertain winter."
Mr Murphy made the call to the Treasury as gas prices continue to increase in Northern Ireland.
On Thursday, Firms Energy announced it is to to put up prices by 38% from 03 December due to the increase in global energy costs.
SSE Airtricity previously announced a 21.8% rise in gas prices.
Mr Murphy said he has written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury asking that the VAT costs of 5% for domestic consumers and 20% for businesses are waived for a period of time.
He said: "The cost of living crisis is severely impacting many of our citizens, causing further hardship for families and businesses during an already difficult time.
"Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen workers, businesses and families struggle immensely.
"Many will now continue to face significant financial challenges as we move through the winter period, with households and businesses coming under even more pressure given spiralling energy prices.
"I am calling on Treasury to act now and suspend VAT on energy bills temporarily to support the many families and businesses facing a very uncertain winter."
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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.
