East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA and Communities Spokesperson Andy Allen MBE has called on Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss to commit to ensuring the energy bills support scheme is delivered in Northern Ireland at the same time that it is delivered in the rest of the United Kingdom, during today`s visit. 

Mr Allen said:

“I wrote to the Treasury in June to highlight my concerns about possible delays in delivering the announced £400 payment to assist households with rising energy costs. I received a response stating that the Treasury was working with Northern Ireland Departments and other stakeholders to identify a solution.

“Today we hear from the Utility Regulator who has voiced genuine concerns that, unless urgent action is taken, these payments may not be made to those in Northern Ireland before Christmas. This also comes against the backdrop that further increases are to be expected in the coming months. 

“I would call on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to urgently action the plan put forward by the NI Utility Regulator to ensure that families and individuals in Northern Ireland have this support in place before winter. These payments will go some way to supporting households, however, it is clear that further intervention is urgently required.

“While I will not be meeting with the two candidates standing to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister during their visit to Northern Ireland today, I would ask them both to use the hustings to confirm their commitment that they will ensure this money is delivered across Northern Ireland before December.”