Executive agrees increased fuel payments for 150,000 households

The Executive today has agreed household fuel payments of £150 which will be delivered to those most in need.

An extra £7.5million has been added to the scheme increasing the number of people eligible from 100,000 to around 150,000. The total cost of the scheme is now £22.5million.

First Minister Peter Robinson said: “This household fuel payment will go some way to alleviate the financial pressures that many people are currently experiencing due to the economic downturn. The Executive is committed to doing all it can to provide assistance to those most in need. The quick passing of the Financial Assistance Bill legislation is demonstration of that and has enabled 150,000 households to benefit from this fuel payment.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “This is another positive result for our people and further demonstration of what local administration can achieve for local people. The increase of monies from the original £15million to now £22.5million will be welcome news to those people who are facing hardship at this difficult time.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Household Fuel Payment Scheme will make a £150 payment to approximately 150,000 households. All 84,000 Pension Credit claimants (excluding those in Nursing Homes) and approximately 64,000 Income Support claimants who are also in receipt of Housing Benefit or Housing Loan will be eligible.
2. There will be one payment per household and people will be paid directly without having to claim. To qualify, a member of the household must have been in receipt of one of these benefits between 15 December 2008 and 21 December 2008. This was the week when the scheme was first announced in the Assembly. Only one payment will be made per household. It is expected to be made in April 2009.
3. All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned