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03/04/2023
Other News In Brief
Home Heating Oil Prices Reach Almost Pre-Ukraine Invasion Price
Home heating oil prices have steadily decreased this year, currently sitting slightly above pre-Ukraine invasion prices.
The average cost for 300 litres of oil today is £206.98, the lowest price recorded in weeks, and within pence of the pre-Ukraine invasion price of £206.14 on 24 February 2022.
Peter McClenaghan, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at The Consumer Council, said: "As we import all our heating oil, Northern Ireland is at the mercy of volatile global oil markets. Thankfully, since the end of June 2022, the global price of oil has been on a downward trend.
"The fact the price of home heating oil has decreased significantly from the record highs recorded in March 2022, and is within pence of pre-Ukraine invasion prices, is very welcome news.
"While the oil market can be very volatile and it is difficult to forecast whether prices will continue to fall, it would be fantastic to see prices return to pre-pandemic levels because being able to afford to adequately heat their home remains a major worry for many consumers.
"We would encourage people to continue to shop around for the best price for heating oil while also using distributors who have clear delivery standards and complaints procedures. However, if you are a regular customer of a distributor be sure to ask them to beat the average Consumer Council Home Heating Oil survey price for your area."
DUP Receives Windsor Panel Report
The DUP has received the official report on the Windsor Framework from the eight person panel the party established to assess the deal.
Welcoming the report, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP thanked the "significant number of businesses, individuals and organisations" that participated and shared their perspectives.
Sir Jeffrey said: ""Having taken receipt of the report, I thank the panel for their dedicated efforts and will now take time to discuss the report with my Party Officer team.”
2 Royal Ave Signs Up To 'Just A Minute' Initiative
Belfast city centre's cultural and civic space, 2 Royal Avenue, is now a JAM card friendly venue, having signing up to the NOW Group's 'Just a Minute' (JAM) initiative.
Staff at the facility, owned by Belfast City Council, have received training to ensure they are equipped to provide excellent customer service to people with learning difficulties and communication barriers.
Signage has also been installed throughout the building to reassure JAM card carriers of a positive and welcoming experience.
The award-winning JAM scheme was created by participants with the Belfast-based NOW Group to allow people with a learning difficulty, autism or a communication barrier to tell others they need 'just a minute' discreetly and easily. Those with a communication barrier are often reluctant or unable to tell others about their condition but being a JAM card user or JAM card app user allows this to happen in a simple, effective, non-verbal manner.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black, has welcomed the venue's new status.
"Since 2 Royal Avenue opened its doors as a creative space in the heart of the city centre, it's become a much-loved venue, and we want to make sure everyone can enjoy the huge variety of events and opportunities that it offers," she explained.
"Our tourism plan also commits to leading on accessible and inclusive tourism, so it's great to see the team receiving practical, hands-on training on how they can best assist customers who may have a disability or other communication barrier and, in doing so, really help to make a positive difference to someone's experience or day out."
Home heating oil prices have steadily decreased this year, currently sitting slightly above pre-Ukraine invasion prices.
The average cost for 300 litres of oil today is £206.98, the lowest price recorded in weeks, and within pence of the pre-Ukraine invasion price of £206.14 on 24 February 2022.
Peter McClenaghan, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at The Consumer Council, said: "As we import all our heating oil, Northern Ireland is at the mercy of volatile global oil markets. Thankfully, since the end of June 2022, the global price of oil has been on a downward trend.
"The fact the price of home heating oil has decreased significantly from the record highs recorded in March 2022, and is within pence of pre-Ukraine invasion prices, is very welcome news.
"While the oil market can be very volatile and it is difficult to forecast whether prices will continue to fall, it would be fantastic to see prices return to pre-pandemic levels because being able to afford to adequately heat their home remains a major worry for many consumers.
"We would encourage people to continue to shop around for the best price for heating oil while also using distributors who have clear delivery standards and complaints procedures. However, if you are a regular customer of a distributor be sure to ask them to beat the average Consumer Council Home Heating Oil survey price for your area."
DUP Receives Windsor Panel Report
The DUP has received the official report on the Windsor Framework from the eight person panel the party established to assess the deal.
Welcoming the report, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP thanked the "significant number of businesses, individuals and organisations" that participated and shared their perspectives.
Sir Jeffrey said: ""Having taken receipt of the report, I thank the panel for their dedicated efforts and will now take time to discuss the report with my Party Officer team.”
2 Royal Ave Signs Up To 'Just A Minute' Initiative
Belfast city centre's cultural and civic space, 2 Royal Avenue, is now a JAM card friendly venue, having signing up to the NOW Group's 'Just a Minute' (JAM) initiative.
Staff at the facility, owned by Belfast City Council, have received training to ensure they are equipped to provide excellent customer service to people with learning difficulties and communication barriers.
Signage has also been installed throughout the building to reassure JAM card carriers of a positive and welcoming experience.
The award-winning JAM scheme was created by participants with the Belfast-based NOW Group to allow people with a learning difficulty, autism or a communication barrier to tell others they need 'just a minute' discreetly and easily. Those with a communication barrier are often reluctant or unable to tell others about their condition but being a JAM card user or JAM card app user allows this to happen in a simple, effective, non-verbal manner.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black, has welcomed the venue's new status.
"Since 2 Royal Avenue opened its doors as a creative space in the heart of the city centre, it's become a much-loved venue, and we want to make sure everyone can enjoy the huge variety of events and opportunities that it offers," she explained.
"Our tourism plan also commits to leading on accessible and inclusive tourism, so it's great to see the team receiving practical, hands-on training on how they can best assist customers who may have a disability or other communication barrier and, in doing so, really help to make a positive difference to someone's experience or day out."
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14 March 2022
Oil Retailers Must Honour Agreed Price
Domestic home heating oil retailers and online brokers must honour agreed contracts – this means that customers cannot be charged more if prices increase between ordering and delivery.
Oil Retailers Must Honour Agreed Price
Domestic home heating oil retailers and online brokers must honour agreed contracts – this means that customers cannot be charged more if prices increase between ordering and delivery.
28 September 2022
Murphy Calls For Urgent Review Of £100 Home Heating Oil Scheme
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury calling for an urgent review of the £100 home heating oil scheme.
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17 July 2008
Homeowners Warned About 'Oil Theft'
Rising fuel prices could spark off oil theft, a PSNI crime prevention officer has said. People across Northern Ireland are being warned to be on "high alert" with regards to possible oil-theft in their homes. Derek Ewing said that while the thefts are occuring "across the board" he assumes "it hits the elderly much more".
Homeowners Warned About 'Oil Theft'
Rising fuel prices could spark off oil theft, a PSNI crime prevention officer has said. People across Northern Ireland are being warned to be on "high alert" with regards to possible oil-theft in their homes. Derek Ewing said that while the thefts are occuring "across the board" he assumes "it hits the elderly much more".
02 September 2022
Home Heating Oil Breaks £1 Per Litre
Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland have now exceeded £1 per litre, more than double the ten-year average price, and prices have only been higher for one week this decade according to the Consumer Council's weekly heating oil survey.
Home Heating Oil Breaks £1 Per Litre
Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland have now exceeded £1 per litre, more than double the ten-year average price, and prices have only been higher for one week this decade according to the Consumer Council's weekly heating oil survey.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
