Finance Minister John O'Dowd has criticised the Prime Minister's plans to help households hit by soaring home heating oil costs, describing the proposals as disappointing and inadequate for Northern Ireland.

Following confirmation that the Executive will receive £17.2 million in 2026/27 towards heating oil energy support, Minister O'Dowd said: "While the Westminster Government has acknowledged the need for financial support for households facing steep increases in home heating oil costs as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the £17.2 million allocated falls far short of what is required.

Underlining the scale of the issue, he said: "More than 60% of households here, over 480,600 homes rely on home heating oil and are therefore particularly vulnerable to the price shocks we have witnessed. "On the basis of the support currently being offered by Westminster, this would amount to roughly £35 per household. I think people will be genuinely shocked and disappointed at how limited that support is.

"Given the limited funding from Westminster I think it's only right and proper we target those on the lowest incomes."

Setting out next steps, the Minister continued: "I will be meeting the Chief Secretary to the Treasury later this week, where I will make clear that the Westminster Government must do more to support workers and families. This is particularly important given the high reliance on home heating oil here.

"I will be engaging with my Ministerial colleagues to ensure support is delivered quickly and makes a difference to those most in need."

According to Census 2021, 480,636 households in Northern Ireland use oil central heating. The Consumer Council reports that average home heating oil prices rose by around 90% between 26 February and 12 March.