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SDLP MLA BURNS: EXECUTIVE NEEDS TO TACKLE RISING FUEL COSTS

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns said the Executive needs to do more to help tackle rising energy costs. He was speaking after the topic was debated in the Assembly on Monday afternoon. 

“The motion that the Assembly debated addressed one of the issues of greatest importance to people across the North. Rising energy costs are hitting families in Northern Ireland harder than in other areas.

There is a clear need for the Executive to give further priority to measures to promote energy efficiency and combat fuel poverty. With ever changing energy requirements the motion also called on the Executive to drive a coordinated energy policy to diversify energy supplies, including harnessing the full potential of renewable energy.

At Westminster the SDLP have tabled an Early Day Motion due to our concerns that fuel poverty is widening and deepening as a consequence of rapidly rising energy prices.

People are paying more VAT in their increasing energy bills. We have therefore called on the Treasury to use these increased VAT receipts, along with other resources, to support low-income households in coping with the inordinate burden of rampant energy costs.

The SDLP are also calling on the relevant Ministers to bring forward proposals to extend previous and existing programmes to alleviate fuel poverty.

Indeed, we would urge Gordon Brown’s government to engage with devolved administrations, local government and agencies working to combat fuel poverty and promote energy efficiency in delivering new interventions to bring relief to hard-pressed households using the VAT windfall.”

ENDS