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18/01/2008
Drop In Cold Related Deaths Welcomed As Fuel Poverty Tackled
There has been a considerable drop in the number of deaths linked to cold in recent years - and while any deaths related to cold conditions are unnecessary and normally avoidable - progress is being made.
The Assembly's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the news, which she said has been helped by investment from her Department in the Warm Homes Scheme, in the Housing Executive's Heating Replacement Programme, and through the Social Security Agency's Winter Fuel Payments scheme.
She has praised the work that has been done to alleviate fuel poverty and improve the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Speaking at the launch of the second Inter-Departmental Group on Fuel Poverty the Minister said: "I believe that in the 21st Century everyone has the right to a warm home and I am committed to doing all I can to make this a reality.
"Much has already been done to improve energy efficiency in homes - in fact there has been a 20% improvement over the past 10 years and nearly all homes now have some form of central heating and loft insulation."
She said that over the last year the Department for Social Development has invested £20m in the Warm Homes Scheme and almost the same amount in the Housing Executive's Heating Replacement Programme, while the Social Security Agency has spent over £50m on Winter Fuel Payments.
The Minister added that as a result, there has been a considerable drop in deaths linked to cold in recent years.
However, challenges remain and Ms Ritchie added: "Ensuring I have the necessary funding to build on the work that has been done is a real challenge and I hope to receive support from my Executive colleagues on this.
"I am determined to do the best I can for those who are elderly or vulnerable by continuing to seek additional resources to improve energy efficiency and ensure that these resources are targeted as effectively as possible. I am confident that by continuing to work in partnership, we will make further strides in tackling fuel poverty this year and in the year ahead," she said.
John McMullan, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Advisory Group welcomed the commitment of Margaret Ritchie.
He outlined the importance of the provision of sufficient resources to tackle the issue even at a time of difficult budgetary decisions.
(GK/JM)(BMcC)
The Assembly's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the news, which she said has been helped by investment from her Department in the Warm Homes Scheme, in the Housing Executive's Heating Replacement Programme, and through the Social Security Agency's Winter Fuel Payments scheme.
She has praised the work that has been done to alleviate fuel poverty and improve the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Speaking at the launch of the second Inter-Departmental Group on Fuel Poverty the Minister said: "I believe that in the 21st Century everyone has the right to a warm home and I am committed to doing all I can to make this a reality.
"Much has already been done to improve energy efficiency in homes - in fact there has been a 20% improvement over the past 10 years and nearly all homes now have some form of central heating and loft insulation."
She said that over the last year the Department for Social Development has invested £20m in the Warm Homes Scheme and almost the same amount in the Housing Executive's Heating Replacement Programme, while the Social Security Agency has spent over £50m on Winter Fuel Payments.
The Minister added that as a result, there has been a considerable drop in deaths linked to cold in recent years.
However, challenges remain and Ms Ritchie added: "Ensuring I have the necessary funding to build on the work that has been done is a real challenge and I hope to receive support from my Executive colleagues on this.
"I am determined to do the best I can for those who are elderly or vulnerable by continuing to seek additional resources to improve energy efficiency and ensure that these resources are targeted as effectively as possible. I am confident that by continuing to work in partnership, we will make further strides in tackling fuel poverty this year and in the year ahead," she said.
John McMullan, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Advisory Group welcomed the commitment of Margaret Ritchie.
He outlined the importance of the provision of sufficient resources to tackle the issue even at a time of difficult budgetary decisions.
(GK/JM)(BMcC)
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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.
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.
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.
15 November 2005
Minister pledges to eradicate fuel poverty
Everyone should be able to live in a house which is comfortable, fit and warm, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today.
Minister pledges to eradicate fuel poverty
Everyone should be able to live in a house which is comfortable, fit and warm, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
