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17/11/2011
SF Tackles Fuel Poverty
The Sinn Fein Chair of the Social Development Committee, Alex Maskey, has convened a round table discussion aimed at tackling fuel poverty - an issue that particularly impacts on the elderly.
The innovative initiative targeted all Assembly departments involved in addressing fuel poverty being joined by key stakeholders to examine the way ahead. The objective is to devise a comprehensive approach to impact on this annual winter crisis.
Speaking ahead of the event Mr Maskey said: "The Department of Social Development is the lead Assembly department on tackling fuel poverty and thus our committee is demonstrating much needed leadership.
"This serious issue affects over 40% of local people and with winter approaching, fuel prices remaining at an all time high and the looming threat of benefit cuts under the welfare reform bill this problem will only get worse.
"In order to tackle this looming crisis head on I have asked the Committee to approach this issue in an imaginative way and bring together the eight departments who all have a part to play in addressing this issue.
"We will see the chairs of each department committee along with senior officials for these departments be joined by over 33 key stakeholders in this field ranging from Marie Curie, Access to Benefits, AGE NI, The Ulster Farmers Union to the Consumer Council and many more.
"Each department will be tasked with examining in depth what they have done, can do and intend to do within their respective areas working closely with the relevant stakeholders.
The Assembly has never taken such a focused and as broad an initiative with this level of collaboration. This is a new and innovative way of joined up government aimed at producing a truly comprehensive and far reaching strategy."
(CD)
The innovative initiative targeted all Assembly departments involved in addressing fuel poverty being joined by key stakeholders to examine the way ahead. The objective is to devise a comprehensive approach to impact on this annual winter crisis.
Speaking ahead of the event Mr Maskey said: "The Department of Social Development is the lead Assembly department on tackling fuel poverty and thus our committee is demonstrating much needed leadership.
"This serious issue affects over 40% of local people and with winter approaching, fuel prices remaining at an all time high and the looming threat of benefit cuts under the welfare reform bill this problem will only get worse.
"In order to tackle this looming crisis head on I have asked the Committee to approach this issue in an imaginative way and bring together the eight departments who all have a part to play in addressing this issue.
"We will see the chairs of each department committee along with senior officials for these departments be joined by over 33 key stakeholders in this field ranging from Marie Curie, Access to Benefits, AGE NI, The Ulster Farmers Union to the Consumer Council and many more.
"Each department will be tasked with examining in depth what they have done, can do and intend to do within their respective areas working closely with the relevant stakeholders.
The Assembly has never taken such a focused and as broad an initiative with this level of collaboration. This is a new and innovative way of joined up government aimed at producing a truly comprehensive and far reaching strategy."
(CD)
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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.
07 September 2011
Thousands Of Families Face Fuel Poverty
A shocking 75,000 NI households are living in severe fuel poverty by recognised national standards. Yesterday, the Stormont Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland (pictured) welcomed the publication of a report by the University of Ulster entitled 'Defining Fuel Poverty in Northern Ireland: A Preliminary Review'.
Thousands Of Families Face Fuel Poverty
A shocking 75,000 NI households are living in severe fuel poverty by recognised national standards. Yesterday, the Stormont Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland (pictured) welcomed the publication of a report by the University of Ulster entitled 'Defining Fuel Poverty in Northern Ireland: A Preliminary Review'.
13 June 2022
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
14 October 2013
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
06 February 2006
Fuel costs hit Ryanair profit margin
Budget airline Ryanair has reported a 26% growth in passenger numbers, but has seen profits hit by high fuel costs. In the third financial quarter, the airline said that it had increased third quarter profits to 36.8 million euro. Traffic grew by 26% to 8.
Fuel costs hit Ryanair profit margin
Budget airline Ryanair has reported a 26% growth in passenger numbers, but has seen profits hit by high fuel costs. In the third financial quarter, the airline said that it had increased third quarter profits to 36.8 million euro. Traffic grew by 26% to 8.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
