AQW 26170/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 22/11/2021
Answered On Date: 02/12/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities, in light of rising home energy costs, what additional support measures or schemes she will bring forward to relieve increased financial pressures for families over the winter period.

Answer:

The Department for Communities is providing support through the Affordable Warmth Scheme, Cold Weather Payments, Discretionary Support and the Winter Fuel Payment.The Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 commenced in November to help with heating costs. It will continue this month and into January.

This is a global fuel crisis and undoubtedly will have a major impact, including on those who are already struggling financially. The Department continues to engage with the Utility Regulator and the Consumer Council, and given the scale of this crisis will work with Executive colleagues to try and mitigate the impacts