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08/10/2003
Government strategy aims to tackle fuel poverty
Nearly one in every three families in Northern Ireland face difficulty in paying their fuel bills, a government Minister revealed today.
Social Development Minister, John Spellar's comments came at the launch of his department's consultation paper 'Towards a Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland'.
The document aims to seek views on how Northern Ireland can tackle, and rid, a problem which affects 33% of all Northern Ireland households compared to 9% in England.
The Minister said: “The consultation paper we are launching today seeks views on how we should go about ridding Northern Ireland of this problem. It is vitally important that those with experience of living with fuel poverty and those who tackle it make their views known to the Department."
Today's consultation paper describes the main causes of fuel poverty such as low incomes, high fuel costs and poor energy efficiency.
The paper also discusses the evidence of serious health problems caused by the cold, particularly among vulnerable groups such as families with children, older people, and those who are sick or living with a disability, and it describes the types of work that is already being done to help.
About 61% of all Northern Ireland Housing Executive homes suffer fuel poverty, despite in many cases, relatively good standards of energy efficiency. Fuel poverty correlates very closely with low household income: 87% of households in fuel poverty have total incomes less than 10k per year.
(MB)
Social Development Minister, John Spellar's comments came at the launch of his department's consultation paper 'Towards a Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland'.
The document aims to seek views on how Northern Ireland can tackle, and rid, a problem which affects 33% of all Northern Ireland households compared to 9% in England.
The Minister said: “The consultation paper we are launching today seeks views on how we should go about ridding Northern Ireland of this problem. It is vitally important that those with experience of living with fuel poverty and those who tackle it make their views known to the Department."
Today's consultation paper describes the main causes of fuel poverty such as low incomes, high fuel costs and poor energy efficiency.
The paper also discusses the evidence of serious health problems caused by the cold, particularly among vulnerable groups such as families with children, older people, and those who are sick or living with a disability, and it describes the types of work that is already being done to help.
About 61% of all Northern Ireland Housing Executive homes suffer fuel poverty, despite in many cases, relatively good standards of energy efficiency. Fuel poverty correlates very closely with low household income: 87% of households in fuel poverty have total incomes less than 10k per year.
(MB)
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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.
06 September 2011
Report Highlights NI Fuel Poverty
As winter approaches, measures to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland over the past decade have been highlighted. A new report said this week these have been effective - but that much more needs to be done. This was the result of new research carried out by the University of Ulster.
Report Highlights NI Fuel Poverty
As winter approaches, measures to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland over the past decade have been highlighted. A new report said this week these have been effective - but that much more needs to be done. This was the result of new research carried out by the University of Ulster.
06 December 2013
Fuel Poverty Remains 'Major Issue'
Fuel poverty remains a major issue for people in Northern Ireland, according to a new report by the Housing Executive. The report notes that 42% of Northern Ireland homes were recorded as experiencing fuel poverty in 2011. It noted an investment in 2012-2013 of over £20m on heating, insulation and double glazing in NIHE housing stock.
Fuel Poverty Remains 'Major Issue'
Fuel poverty remains a major issue for people in Northern Ireland, according to a new report by the Housing Executive. The report notes that 42% of Northern Ireland homes were recorded as experiencing fuel poverty in 2011. It noted an investment in 2012-2013 of over £20m on heating, insulation and double glazing in NIHE housing stock.
12 September 2022
Fuel Poverty Emergency Response Group Holds First Meeting
Alliance has welcomed the establishment of the new Fuel Poverty Emergency Response Group, with MLA Nick Mathison 'encouraged to hear energy suppliers engaging with proposals to help consumers in any way possible as we face an extremely difficult winter ahead".
Fuel Poverty Emergency Response Group Holds First Meeting
Alliance has welcomed the establishment of the new Fuel Poverty Emergency Response Group, with MLA Nick Mathison 'encouraged to hear energy suppliers engaging with proposals to help consumers in any way possible as we face an extremely difficult winter ahead".
28 October 2010
Heating Crisis Looms For NI Elderly
Old people in NI are facing stark choices, sometimes having to decide between buying themselves food, or buying fuel for heating their homes. The Alliance party Social Development Spokesperson Anna Lo has expressed shock at NI Housing Executive figures that show a 20% increase in the number of older people living on their own facing fuel poverty.
Heating Crisis Looms For NI Elderly
Old people in NI are facing stark choices, sometimes having to decide between buying themselves food, or buying fuel for heating their homes. The Alliance party Social Development Spokesperson Anna Lo has expressed shock at NI Housing Executive figures that show a 20% increase in the number of older people living on their own facing fuel poverty.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Staying dry with clear periods at first then cloudier skies edging in overnight with patchy mist and hill fog. Turning chilly where skies remain clear. A light southerly breeze. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
