AQW 22949/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/09/2021
Answered On Date: 08/10/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any consideration she has given to increasing the amount available for low-income households via the Affordable Warmth Scheme.

Answer:

On 1 July 2021 legislative changes were introduced to increase income threshold eligibility to £23,000. At the same time Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Carers’ Allowance were removed from the calculation of income.

My Department continues to monitor the impact of the pandemic and Brexit on the Scheme, including the average grant per household.