08/12/2003

Views sought on how to fight fuel poverty

Members of the public are being invited to have their say in the next stage in the battle against the scourge of fuel poverty that affects almost a third of households in Northern Ireland.

David Crothers, Director of Housing at the Department for Social Development, today launched a series of consultation meetings to be held in Belfast, Cookstown and Londonderry, supporting his Department's consultation paper, 'Towards a Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland'.

Speaking at the first event at Grosvenor House in Belfast, he said: “Living in a cold home is not just uncomfortable; it can be life threatening. We have already taken some steps to tackle the problem but much more is required. It is unacceptable that 33% of homes in Northern Ireland are affected compared with 17% in Scotland and 9% in England.

“We want to hear everyone’s view on fuel poverty and how we should go about eliminating 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.”

The Department for Social Development has also appointed National Energy Action NI, a local fuel poverty charity to help in organising the events to hear from those directly affected by fuel poverty or those working in related areas.

(MB)

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