Minister Ritchie welcomes progress on tackling fuel poverty

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today praised the impact of Government’s work in tackling fuel poverty.

Commenting of the release of the 2007 Home Energy Conservation Report by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Minister Ritchie noted that between 2001 and 2006, fuel poverty in Northern Ireland risen by 7%.

Minister Ritchie said: “The rising cost of fuel across the world has made this increase inevitable. However, had it not been for the work of my Department and others through programmes such as the Warm Homes Scheme, the increase in levels of fuel poverty would have been much sharper. We estimate that around 200,000 households have been saved from fuel poverty by our actions.

“In this year alone, my Department has helped make 17,000 families warmer through improving the energy efficiency of their homes. I also secured an additional £2million during in-year to install solar panels in nearly 700 homes.”

However, there can be no room for complacency said Minister Ritchie: “From April I will increase my Department’s spending on fuel poverty by a further £0.5million bringing the Department’s commitment to tackling fuel poverty to £35.4million. I am committed to targeting these resources on those in greatest need, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable.

“Alongside this, I will future-proof all new social houses against fuel poverty by ensuring that those built from April 2008 will be required to meet standards that, in effect, will mean that they will be 25% more energy efficient.”

Commenting further on the need to improve sustainability and energy efficiency in the private and social sectors, Margaret Ritchie concluded: “My department will continue to examine the potential for extending innovation partnership arrangements with Northern Ireland Electricity and others to speed up the replacement of Economy 7 heating systems, targeting those with particular health needs and piloting renewable energy technologies as a means of tackling rural fuel poverty.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Fuel poverty is defined as a situation where a household would have to spend more than 10% of its income on household fuel to maintain an acceptable temperature throughout the home.
2. Fuel poverty is affected by three factors: income, fuel prices and house conditions. While Government can influence house conditions and, to a certain extent, incomes, fuel prices are wholly beyond its control and determined by world markets.
3. Further information on the Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland is available on the DSD website.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.