16/08/2022
Urgent Solution Needed For Distributing Energy Payments
Sinn Féin MLA and Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said that she is concerned that a solution has yet to be found to get the £400 energy payments out the door and into people's pockets.
The communities minister was speaking after a meeting today with the British Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and officials from the departments of economy and finance.
Deirdre Hargey said: "I'm concerned that a workable solution has not yet been agreed by the Department for the Economy and the British Treasury, which would get the £400 energy payment out the door to every household in the north.
"This needs to be done as a matter of urgency.
"We are approaching an autumn and winter which will be extremely difficult for workers and families as the price of heating and lighting homes continues to soar.
"Discussions are continuing to try to find a workaround to get the payment out into people's pockets but there is no doubt that the absence of a functioning Executive is making this more difficult.
"I once again urge the DUP to end its boycott of the Executive and put the interests of ordinary people first by working with the rest of us to ensure they get the support they are entitled to."
The communities minister was speaking after a meeting today with the British Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and officials from the departments of economy and finance.
Deirdre Hargey said: "I'm concerned that a workable solution has not yet been agreed by the Department for the Economy and the British Treasury, which would get the £400 energy payment out the door to every household in the north.
"This needs to be done as a matter of urgency.
"We are approaching an autumn and winter which will be extremely difficult for workers and families as the price of heating and lighting homes continues to soar.
"Discussions are continuing to try to find a workaround to get the payment out into people's pockets but there is no doubt that the absence of a functioning Executive is making this more difficult.
"I once again urge the DUP to end its boycott of the Executive and put the interests of ordinary people first by working with the rest of us to ensure they get the support they are entitled to."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.