Fuel Poverty
Northern Ireland has the highest rate of fuel poverty in the United Kingdom, with 1 in 3 households suffering its effects. Fuel Poverty damages health and social well being and those who suffer most are people in vulnerable groups i.e. the elderly, children and those who are disabled or have a long-term illness. The Government is committed to tackling this issue by combating each of the causes associated with Fuel Poverty: high fuel costs, low income and poor energy efficiency.
The Fuel Poverty Strategy
The DSD published its Ending Fuel Poverty: A Strategy for Northern Ireland on November 2004. The strategy sets out the framework for delivery of the DSD’s overall goal of seeking an end to the problem of fuel poverty in vulnerable households by 2010, and in non-vulnerable households by 2016. In addition no household in the social rented sector should suffer from fuel poverty.
Consultation
The strategy follows the consultation document: Towards a Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland which was published in October 2003. National Energy Action (NI) assisted with the consultation process which involved three consultation events, held in Belfast, Cookstown and Derry and a number of focus groups. This ensured that all Section 75 categories were consulted. In addition 45 written responses were received.
The Inter Departmental Group on Fuel Poverty
The Inter-Departmental Group on Fuel Poverty (IDGFP), chaired by the Minister with Responsibility for Social Development was established as a means of ensuring effective co-ordination of policies and actions. The group comprises senior officials from all the main departments that have a role in addressing poverty and income, the energy market and energy efficiency and health.
Fuel Poverty Advisory Group
The Fuel Poverty Advisory Group is an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body. It is separate from Government but does have access to officials and the Minister. Its primary task is to allow private sector and voluntary community sector groups to discuss issues related to fuel poverty and advise DSD accordingly.
Papers relating to the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group. Included is a list of members, terms of reference, minutes from recent meetings and dates of next meetings. Warm Homes Scheme
Warm Homes Scheme is a grant scheme which provides a package of energy efficiency and heating measures, up to the value of £750. Energy efficiency advice, tailored to each household, is provided by Eaga Partnership's Home Visits team in accordance with the Energy Savings Trust's Code of Practice.
|
