Speaking at the launch of the report, the minister said: "I welcome the report from the Advisory Group which shows a good record of achievement over the past year. The recommendations made in this and future reports will be taken into account when implementing our plans for the coming years.
"Over the next 12 months we will continue to fight fuel poverty on three fronts - energy inefficiency, low incomes and high fuel costs. While a great deal has been achieved, there is significantly more to do and I am absolutely determined to take all possible measures to combat fuel poverty However, it is clear that if we are to truly achieve alleviation of fuel poverty then it has to be done by Government working in partnership with the public, private and community sectors”.
Notes to Editors:
- Fuel poverty is caused by a combination of factors including the need for heat, low household income, high fuel costs or the use of expensive fuel types and poor energy efficiency.
- Fuel poverty is the situation in which a household would have to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to maintain an acceptable level of temperature throughout the home.
- Copies of both the Inter Departmental Group report and the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group report are available from DSD Housing Division, Tel: 028 9081 9511 or the DSDNI website
- Media enquiries only to DSD Information Office on 028 90829497. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 440 and your call will be returned.
