PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: WELCOMES FUEL POVERTY TASK FORCE

SDLP Social Development spokesman Thomas Burns MLA has welcomed the establishment of a Task Force to identify methods to tackle fuel poverty.  

The South Antrim Assembly Member said fuel poverty hit society’s most vulnerable groups hardest and with significant price rises in oil, gas and coal needed to be among the Executive’s main priorities.

Mr Burns praised Margaret Ritchie the Social Development Minister for showing leadership on the issue.

He said: “Fuel poverty is a serious issue across the North and its elimination must be among our top priorities.

“I welcome the Minister for Social Development’s initiative as another worthy and imaginative step in this process.

“This region suffers from a particularly high rate of fuel poverty with 1 in 3 households affected.

“The consequences are often far reaching and cut across all sections of society.

“Most at risk are the community’s most vulnerable groups such as the elderly.

“High fuel costs, low income and poor energy efficiency are just some of the causes of fuel poverty.

“I am heartened to see the Minister for Social Development showing real leadership and seeking to identify the ways this can be addressed before the onset of winter.”

ENDS