AQW 43591/11-15

Mr Gregory Campbell
Democratic Unionist Party
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 12/03/2015
Answered On Date: 25/03/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Social Development what plans there are for the promotion of the Affordable Warmth Scheme to potential beneficiaries after 1 April 2015.

Answer:

Research commissioned by my Department in 2011 identified 33, 499 homes which were in extreme fuel poverty, that is, they need to spend 25% or more of their income to adequately light and heat their home. My Department has worked with the University of Ulster to identify households considered to be most at risk of fuel poverty. This information has been provided to local councils who are targeting those households starting with the areas of highest priority. The Affordable Warmth Scheme is a targeted scheme and local Councils, working in partnership with the Housing Executive, will visit homes most at risk of fuel poverty and deliver energy efficiency improvements. This direct targeted approach will assist those households most affected by fuel poverty.

Further information about the Affordable Warmth Scheme is available on www.nidirect.gov.uk/affordable-warmth-grant-scheme