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06/01/2022
Fuel Payment Scheme Falls 'Drastically Short Of Whats Needed'
The £2m Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme has been criticised for falling "drastically short of what's needed".
SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that the scheme, which opens today, has only been designed to help 20,000 families, leaving huge numbers of people without support in the face of rising energy costs.
Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: "After months of warnings that people across the North would struggle to heat their homes this winter, the support announced by Sinn Féin Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey will do little to tackle the fuel poverty that is affecting thousands of families at the minute. Rather than being a day late and dollar short, it's a month late and millions short and hardly constitutes an effective 'emergency' response.
"We have seen record energy bill hikes for everyone – it's not just the worst off in society who are struggling, everybody is being squeezed and more and more people are struggling to keep up with the rising costs. While support for these 20,000 families is welcome, it's a drop in the ocean compared to what's actually needed to deal with this problem.
"With the scheme set to open tomorrow we are still completely unaware of what exactly it entails, what the criteria it is and who will benefit? There are going to be a lot of people very disappointed tomorrow when they realise they will be getting no support, despite facing significant financial pressures.
"We've seen temperatures plummet below freezing this week and I've no doubt there will be people who were unable to turn on their heating as a result of the crippling fuel poverty many people are experiencing. Minister Hargey needs to come up with a proper plan to help these people through this winter and to address the long-standing issues around fuel poverty. £2m simply isn't going to cut it."
SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that the scheme, which opens today, has only been designed to help 20,000 families, leaving huge numbers of people without support in the face of rising energy costs.
Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: "After months of warnings that people across the North would struggle to heat their homes this winter, the support announced by Sinn Féin Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey will do little to tackle the fuel poverty that is affecting thousands of families at the minute. Rather than being a day late and dollar short, it's a month late and millions short and hardly constitutes an effective 'emergency' response.
"We have seen record energy bill hikes for everyone – it's not just the worst off in society who are struggling, everybody is being squeezed and more and more people are struggling to keep up with the rising costs. While support for these 20,000 families is welcome, it's a drop in the ocean compared to what's actually needed to deal with this problem.
"With the scheme set to open tomorrow we are still completely unaware of what exactly it entails, what the criteria it is and who will benefit? There are going to be a lot of people very disappointed tomorrow when they realise they will be getting no support, despite facing significant financial pressures.
"We've seen temperatures plummet below freezing this week and I've no doubt there will be people who were unable to turn on their heating as a result of the crippling fuel poverty many people are experiencing. Minister Hargey needs to come up with a proper plan to help these people through this winter and to address the long-standing issues around fuel poverty. £2m simply isn't going to cut it."
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Over 60's urged not to miss out on fuel payments
People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, have been advised to check if they are eligible.
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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.
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17 January 2022
SDLP Calls For Fuel Assistance To Be Extended To Working People
The SDLP has called for support for working people who are experiencing fuel poverty. The party's Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan called on Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to also provide support for working people experiencing fuel poverty, after the Executive signed off on a £200 payment to help people in receipt of benefits.
SDLP Calls For Fuel Assistance To Be Extended To Working People
The SDLP has called for support for working people who are experiencing fuel poverty. The party's Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan called on Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to also provide support for working people experiencing fuel poverty, after the Executive signed off on a £200 payment to help people in receipt of benefits.
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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.
