Menu
28/07/2022
Political Stalemate 'Failing Families'
The current political stalemate is failing families facing huge energy bill increases, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said.
He was speaking after analysis carried out by BFY estimated that energy prices could hit £3,420 in October and that the average customer could end up "facing a bill of £500 in January alone".
Mr Eastwood also urged the British government to clamp down on the massive profits being made by energy companies as a result of the current crisis.
Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: "The news that energy bills could rise as high as £500 per month this January will be devastating for families across the North. People are already at their wits end worrying about how they are going to keep their homes warm throughout the winter and if these price rises continue thousands of families will be unable to afford heating with a significant impact on their health.
"People being hit hardest by spiralling energy costs must be in disbelief that Executive Ministers are set to hand back millions to the British Treasury in the face of the most severe household finance crisis in memory. As people suffer, the DUP continue their boycott of our institutions, regardless of the fact that there is over £400m at Stormont that we could be using to help them. The DUP are shrugging off any responsibility to help ease the financial burden on those struggling.
"There also needs to be immediate action from the British government to stop energy companies profiting from the misery of people hit with these huge bills. They must put a cap on energy companies' obscene profits and implement a windfall tax to raise money that can be put to much better use protecting people from these costs.
"We can't allow a situation where families are rationing their heating heading into the autumn. The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has a cost of living action plan and emergency legislation in place that will get money into the pockets of families hit by the costs crisis and egregious energy costs as soon as our institutions are resorted. We can't stand by and watch people suffer as a result of this crisis and the DUP and Tory government should be ashamed of their refusal to do anything meaningful to help."
He was speaking after analysis carried out by BFY estimated that energy prices could hit £3,420 in October and that the average customer could end up "facing a bill of £500 in January alone".
Mr Eastwood also urged the British government to clamp down on the massive profits being made by energy companies as a result of the current crisis.
Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: "The news that energy bills could rise as high as £500 per month this January will be devastating for families across the North. People are already at their wits end worrying about how they are going to keep their homes warm throughout the winter and if these price rises continue thousands of families will be unable to afford heating with a significant impact on their health.
"People being hit hardest by spiralling energy costs must be in disbelief that Executive Ministers are set to hand back millions to the British Treasury in the face of the most severe household finance crisis in memory. As people suffer, the DUP continue their boycott of our institutions, regardless of the fact that there is over £400m at Stormont that we could be using to help them. The DUP are shrugging off any responsibility to help ease the financial burden on those struggling.
"There also needs to be immediate action from the British government to stop energy companies profiting from the misery of people hit with these huge bills. They must put a cap on energy companies' obscene profits and implement a windfall tax to raise money that can be put to much better use protecting people from these costs.
"We can't allow a situation where families are rationing their heating heading into the autumn. The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has a cost of living action plan and emergency legislation in place that will get money into the pockets of families hit by the costs crisis and egregious energy costs as soon as our institutions are resorted. We can't stand by and watch people suffer as a result of this crisis and the DUP and Tory government should be ashamed of their refusal to do anything meaningful to help."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
01 April 2010
Energy Cost Cut 'Suits' Mens Outfitter
Independent clothing company Bogart Menswear is one of the latest retailers to benefit from green energy savings having moved to a renewable energy supply from Energia. Established for over 30 years in Ann Street Belfast, the Bogart chain also comprises a store in Newry and a recently opened flagship store in Belfast City Centre.
Energy Cost Cut 'Suits' Mens Outfitter
Independent clothing company Bogart Menswear is one of the latest retailers to benefit from green energy savings having moved to a renewable energy supply from Energia. Established for over 30 years in Ann Street Belfast, the Bogart chain also comprises a store in Newry and a recently opened flagship store in Belfast City Centre.
09 July 2003
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.
14 January 2022
£55m Energy Payment Support Scheme Announced
A new £55 million Energy Payment Support Scheme for vulnerable people struggling to meet rising energy costs has been announced by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey. A one-off payment of £200 will be made automatically to around 280,000 eligible people in receipt of specified benefits.
£55m Energy Payment Support Scheme Announced
A new £55 million Energy Payment Support Scheme for vulnerable people struggling to meet rising energy costs has been announced by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey. A one-off payment of £200 will be made automatically to around 280,000 eligible people in receipt of specified benefits.
20 January 2022
NIE Networks Announce 110 Jobs Connected To New Energy Strategy
Northern Ireland's new Path to Net Zero energy strategy will lead to more affordable energy and create jobs, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. As Minister Lyons launched a 22-point Action Plan for the Path to Net Zero Energy, NIE Networks announced 110 new jobs aligned to the strategy.
NIE Networks Announce 110 Jobs Connected To New Energy Strategy
Northern Ireland's new Path to Net Zero energy strategy will lead to more affordable energy and create jobs, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. As Minister Lyons launched a 22-point Action Plan for the Path to Net Zero Energy, NIE Networks announced 110 new jobs aligned to the strategy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
