East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA, Andy Allen MBE, has welcomed the announcement of additional funding to provide intervention to households affected by soaring energy costs.

Mr Allen said:

“I welcome the announcement that the Executive have approved £55 million in funding to provide an energy support payment to households affected by soaring energy costs.

“At this stage no information regarding eligibility has been provided. Once this becomes available I will closely study the detail to ensure as many households as possible are included.

“In order to deliver a scheme of this scale without an application process, it will have to be delivered through existing payment arrangements. It is imperative that the Minister details the support she intends to provide for affected households not in receipt of social security payments.”