AQW 27049/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 08/12/2021
Answered On Date: 17/12/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the efforts she has made, and the schemes created, to ensure that people can heat and power their homes this winter.

Answer:

The Department for Communities currently provides support through the Affordable Warmth Scheme, Cold Weather Payments, Discretionary Support and the Winter Fuel Payment.

“The vast majority of this year’s Winter Fuel Payments have been issued and to date 290,483 people have received their payment, with a total value of £51.7 million.

“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