East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA and Communities Spokesperson Andy Allen MBE has welcomed the announcement that the Executive has agreed an additional £19 million to support households reliant on oil heating, while emphasising the need for prompt, accessible delivery and further support.

The East Belfast MLA said:

“The Ulster Unionist Party welcomes today’s announcement from the Northern Ireland Executive that £19 million in additional funding has been approved to support oil-fuel households affected by recent global shocks.

“The agreement to provide around 340,000 households earning approximately £30,000 or less with a £100 payment towards heating oil bills is a welcome start. The focus must be on prompt delivery and on ensuring that support is rolled out quickly and in a way that is accessible to those who need it most. We cannot see a repeat of the problems that affected the Spend Local prepaid card scheme.

“There should also be consideration given to how households just above the £30,000 threshold who are still feeling the impact of this global shock can be supported. Many of these households face the same pressures but will not qualify for support.

“While the £17 million allocated by Westminster, alongside this further £19 million, is welcome, it is widely recognised that the scale of pressure on households and businesses remains significant and this will barely scratch the surface for many who continue to face difficult choices day in and day out.

“The UK Government needs to do more to support households and businesses facing sustained high fuel and energy costs, including a more meaningful reduction in fuel duty and or VAT.

“Close attention will also need to be paid to energy prices in the months ahead. While it is not yet clear whether other energy beyond oil will increase, prices remain volatile and the risk remains.

“Northern Ireland already has too many households in fuel poverty, and there is a real concern that sustained pressure could see more people affected. For many, this is no longer about cutting back, but about whether they can afford energy.

“The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to engage at both Executive and Westminster level to press for targeted and meaningful support.

“Alongside immediate support, there must also be a clear focus on the longer term. That means reducing reliance on global energy markets and building a more stable and resilient system that better protects households from future volatility.”