Age Awareness Week

Recognising the start of Age Awareness Week, Ulster Unionist MLA Fred Cobain has said that much more needs to be done in Northern Ireland to tackle the issue of fuel poverty.

Commenting on the issue Fred said; "New statistics in the One Voice report released today show that almost a third of pensioners here are living below the poverty line - these figures are simply unacceptable and something needs to be done to address the issue.

Poverty rates are higher in Northern Ireland and it is unfair and unacceptable that families here are being hit with the biggest fuel costs throughout the whole of the UK - we need to reduce the overall costs particularly for low income families.

"The Executive is supposed to have a poverty strategy, but the reality is that money has not been made available to deal with the problems. We need to take action now - this is a serious issue especially with the onset of winter. The Executive has failed to address the rise in fuel costs and bills in general and have now placed a burden on families throughout the Province who have to contend with these large figures."

"The UUP will fully support any suggestions by local charities such as Age Concern or Help in Aged in how we will move this problem forward. Now is the time for the Government to Act.