18/01/2022
Bryson Chief Raises Concerns Over Capacity Of Fuel Scheme
The Chief Executive of Bryson Charitable Group has said that is has been "impossible" to keep up with demand for the Executive's emergency fuel payment scheme.
The scheme launched last week and head of the charity running the scheme, Shane Logan, has said that the number of people applying and "exceeded the number it can help".
Speaking to BBC's Good Morning Ulster, Mr Logan said that "roughly 280,000 or 300,000 people" have been trying to access the scheme and the Group is only able to process around 330 applications per day, adding that it was "impossible for us to deal with hundreds and thousands above capacity".
While he described the payment scheme as "excellent" he said that it was "never intended to be other than for those who are right at the edge, who have run out or are about to run out of fuel and whose income is below a very low threshold".
Launched on 06 January, Mr Logan said that between 1,500 and 1,800 people have been helped to date.
The scheme launched last week and head of the charity running the scheme, Shane Logan, has said that the number of people applying and "exceeded the number it can help".
Speaking to BBC's Good Morning Ulster, Mr Logan said that "roughly 280,000 or 300,000 people" have been trying to access the scheme and the Group is only able to process around 330 applications per day, adding that it was "impossible for us to deal with hundreds and thousands above capacity".
While he described the payment scheme as "excellent" he said that it was "never intended to be other than for those who are right at the edge, who have run out or are about to run out of fuel and whose income is below a very low threshold".
Launched on 06 January, Mr Logan said that between 1,500 and 1,800 people have been helped to date.
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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.
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.
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11 January 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.
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.