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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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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'.
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.
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.
19 November 2003
NI fuel poverty 'appalling'
A new report released today has revealed that many areas across Northern Ireland suffer from "appalling" fuel poverty. The study, by fuel poverty charity NEA Northern Ireland, revealed that there were 203,000 fuel poor households in Northern Ireland, as well as an average of 1,360 pensioner deaths every, because of cold weather.
NI fuel poverty 'appalling'
A new report released today has revealed that many areas across Northern Ireland suffer from "appalling" fuel poverty. The study, by fuel poverty charity NEA Northern Ireland, revealed that there were 203,000 fuel poor households in Northern Ireland, as well as an average of 1,360 pensioner deaths every, because of cold weather.
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.
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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.
