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02/06/2005
Hanson underlines commitment to beating fuel poverty
Social Development Minister David Hanson has set up an advisory group to help in the battle against fuel poverty.
The 19-strong Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, chaired by John McMullan of the Bryson House charity, held its first meeting today. Its members represent groups who have hands on experience of dealing with fuel poverty.
The Minister said: "Fuel poverty is one of my top priorities. Northern Ireland has a strong fuel poverty strategy underpinned by a series of programmes to protect vulnerable groups such as older people.
"The advisory group will be of vital help in meeting the challenging targets set out in our strategy – these are to eradicate fuel poverty for vulnerable people and those who live in social housing by 2010 and for other households by 2016.”
The Department for Social Development set up the Warm Homes Scheme in 2001 to assist people to install better insulation and more efficient heating systems. Funding has been increased from just over £3 million in 2001 to almost £12 million in the current financial year. The number of households benefiting has also grown from 4,250 in 2001 to 8,250 in the current financial year.
In Northern Ireland 33% of all households are fuel poor, compared with only 9% in England and 17% in Scotland.
(MB/SP)
The 19-strong Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, chaired by John McMullan of the Bryson House charity, held its first meeting today. Its members represent groups who have hands on experience of dealing with fuel poverty.
The Minister said: "Fuel poverty is one of my top priorities. Northern Ireland has a strong fuel poverty strategy underpinned by a series of programmes to protect vulnerable groups such as older people.
"The advisory group will be of vital help in meeting the challenging targets set out in our strategy – these are to eradicate fuel poverty for vulnerable people and those who live in social housing by 2010 and for other households by 2016.”
The Department for Social Development set up the Warm Homes Scheme in 2001 to assist people to install better insulation and more efficient heating systems. Funding has been increased from just over £3 million in 2001 to almost £12 million in the current financial year. The number of households benefiting has also grown from 4,250 in 2001 to 8,250 in the current financial year.
In Northern Ireland 33% of all households are fuel poor, compared with only 9% in England and 17% in Scotland.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
