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11/01/2022
Communities Minister Urged To Take Control Of Emergency Fuel Scheme
The Communities Minister must take control of the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme rather than passing the buck to a charity, DUP MLA Paula Bradley has said.
Making the call, the North Belfast MLA said: "It will come as little surprise to anyone that there has been huge demand for the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme. The huge increases in fuel prices recently has put pressure on households right across Northern Ireland and putting many in crisis.
"This level of demand shouldn't come as a surprise to the Communities Minister, and certainly if she is in touch with the issues dealt with by her Department. At the very first hurdle this scheme has experienced huge problems for applicants, but the only response from the Department is that its "an operational matter" for Bryson. That isn't good enough.
"It seems the Minister chose this route simply to allow her to pass the buck for any problems onto a charity. It took far too long to get this scheme running in the first place, and at the first sign of problems it seems the Department is attempting to wash its hands of the scheme.
"Deirdre Hargey needs to take control of the situation in terms of both operation and delivery. People experiencing fuel poverty deserve better than a Minister whose main priority appears to be dodging criticism."
Making the call, the North Belfast MLA said: "It will come as little surprise to anyone that there has been huge demand for the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme. The huge increases in fuel prices recently has put pressure on households right across Northern Ireland and putting many in crisis.
"This level of demand shouldn't come as a surprise to the Communities Minister, and certainly if she is in touch with the issues dealt with by her Department. At the very first hurdle this scheme has experienced huge problems for applicants, but the only response from the Department is that its "an operational matter" for Bryson. That isn't good enough.
"It seems the Minister chose this route simply to allow her to pass the buck for any problems onto a charity. It took far too long to get this scheme running in the first place, and at the first sign of problems it seems the Department is attempting to wash its hands of the scheme.
"Deirdre Hargey needs to take control of the situation in terms of both operation and delivery. People experiencing fuel poverty deserve better than a Minister whose main priority appears to be dodging criticism."
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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.
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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.
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.
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06 January 2022
Fuel Payment Scheme Falls 'Drastically Short Of Whats Needed'
The £2m Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme has been criticised for falling "drastically short of what's needed". SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that the scheme, which opens today, has only been designed to help 20,000 families, leaving huge numbers of people without support in the face of rising energy costs.
Fuel Payment Scheme Falls 'Drastically Short Of Whats Needed'
The £2m Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme has been criticised for falling "drastically short of what's needed". SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that the scheme, which opens today, has only been designed to help 20,000 families, leaving huge numbers of people without support in the face of rising energy costs.
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Over 60's urged to claim £200 winter fuel payment
Social Development Minister, John Spellar, has urged Northern Ireland's over 60’s to ensure they claim their Winter Fuel Payment in time for Christmas. Last year, more than 250,000 people benefited from the £200 payment in Northern Ireland. The Minister said: “Most people who qualify for this money will receive it automatically.
Over 60's urged to claim £200 winter fuel payment
Social Development Minister, John Spellar, has urged Northern Ireland's over 60’s to ensure they claim their Winter Fuel Payment in time for Christmas. Last year, more than 250,000 people benefited from the £200 payment in Northern Ireland. The Minister said: “Most people who qualify for this money will receive it automatically.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A largely dry evening and night. It will be mostly cloudy, but a few clear spells are possible in the east during the evening. Some patchy rain across the west shortly before dawn. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
