Menu
29/05/2012
Fuel Poverty Report Published
Action must be taken to help the nearly-half of NI people who are worried about the cost of heating their homes, a report has found.
Coming at the end of a week-long heatwave, figure might have looked out of place, but today’s report from the NI Assembly's Committee for Social Development suggested solutions for the rest of the year.
Chairman Alex Maskey MLA said: "Fuel poverty has become endemic in our communities with recent statistics citing that over 44% of people here are finding it increasingly difficult to heat their homes. We believe that our recommendations are realistic, practical and viable and if implemented will make a very real difference to the way we tackle fuel poverty in our local communities."
Households that spend more than 10% of their income on keeping warm are defined as fuel poor, and a recent report found that nearly two thousand winter deaths in the last decade were due to people living in cold, damp homes.
One recommendation was that Thematic Action Groups (TAGS) be set up to find "agreed workable, realistic and time-bound" solutions.
They could bring in pay-as-you-go schemes for home heating, to help people stay on top of the cost, or promote benefits designed to help people in fuel poverty.
Mr Maskey concluded: "We are under no illusion that there are any quick fixes. However, it is vital that the recommendations identified in the report are urgently considered and taken forward."
(NE)
Coming at the end of a week-long heatwave, figure might have looked out of place, but today’s report from the NI Assembly's Committee for Social Development suggested solutions for the rest of the year.
Chairman Alex Maskey MLA said: "Fuel poverty has become endemic in our communities with recent statistics citing that over 44% of people here are finding it increasingly difficult to heat their homes. We believe that our recommendations are realistic, practical and viable and if implemented will make a very real difference to the way we tackle fuel poverty in our local communities."
Households that spend more than 10% of their income on keeping warm are defined as fuel poor, and a recent report found that nearly two thousand winter deaths in the last decade were due to people living in cold, damp homes.
One recommendation was that Thematic Action Groups (TAGS) be set up to find "agreed workable, realistic and time-bound" solutions.
They could bring in pay-as-you-go schemes for home heating, to help people stay on top of the cost, or promote benefits designed to help people in fuel poverty.
Mr Maskey concluded: "We are under no illusion that there are any quick fixes. However, it is vital that the recommendations identified in the report are urgently considered and taken forward."
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
02 December 2002
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
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.
20 September 2005
Minister affirms plan for vulnerable people
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the problems faced by vulnerable people in Northern Ireland.
Minister affirms plan for vulnerable people
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the problems faced by vulnerable people in Northern Ireland.
21 September 2005
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
