Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps his Department is taking to support households that rely on heating oil for domestic heating, following recent increases in heating oil prices linked to the conflict in Iran.
Minister for Communities: My Department remains firmly committed to providing practical assistance to those most at risk of fuel poverty. I am working with Executive colleagues to determine how the recently announced £17.2m allocation from the UK Government may be best utilised.
Existing arrangements for support include awards from Discretionary Support which may include interest free loans to help with fuel costs and, in specific circumstances, non-repayable grants for essential living expenses. Further information on the Discretionary Support Scheme can be found here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/discretionary-support
I encourage anyone facing immediate risks to their health or wellbeing, such as being unable to afford essential heating or basic living expenses, to contact my Department’s Make the Call service. Further information on how to contact the Make the Call service can be found here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/make-call-service
The NI Energy Advice Service (NIEAS), funded by my Department and delivered by the Housing Executive, continues to offer free and impartial advice including grant referrals, heating tips and oil buying savings. Information on how they can be contacted can be found here: https://www.nihe.gov.uk/housing-help/ni-energy-advice/ni-energy-advice-get-in-touch Applications can also be made to the Affordable Warmth Scheme through NIEAS, for more information on the scheme visit https://www.nihe.gov.uk/housing-help/affordable-warmth/affordable-warmth-scheme
Longer term action is set out in the Warm Healthy Homes Strategy, with a new fund launching in 2027 to support low income and vulnerable households living in the least energy efficient homes.
ENDS
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