PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has called on the Treasury to release VAT windfalls collected as a result of the increase in household energy bills to help alleviate fuel poverty.  

Mr Burns said householders were now experiencing a ‘consumer crunch and grind’ after NIE announced a 14 per cent rise in electricity prices.

He said: “This is dreadful news and all the more worrying when one considers that the 14 per cent rise is only an interim measure and does not rule out the possibility of a further increase in the Autumn.

“The fact we knew this rise was coming will do little to soften the blow.

“It is clear that we are now in the middle of what is not only a credit crunch but a consumer crunch and grind.

“Householders are being hit in the pocket with every bill including day to day living costs and they are struggling.

“It is clear world energy prices lie behind some of these increases which make it difficult for the Assembly to address the problem.

“However, as local politicians we have to work to mitigate the effects as increasing numbers of people are being dragged into fuel poverty while those already there find themselves in deeper trouble.

“The Minister for Social Development is to be applauded for showing leadership by establishing a fuel poverty task force.

“However, in order to intervene both in the long-term and the short-term the Assembly needs to identify means of obtaining resources.

“We should target the Treasury in order to get them to release some the windfalls they will receive in VAT payments.

“At the moment the Executive does not have the resources within its budget to alleviate the inevitable knock-on effects which will result in added costs for schools, hospitals and public benefits.

“That is why it is essential we gain these additional resources to help those, especially those on benefits, who need help the most.”

ENDS

29.05.08