East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA and Communities spokesperson, Andy Allen MBE, has called on the Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA, to expedite the energy payment support scheme payment.

Mr Allen said:

“Yesterday (Thursday) the Department for Communities committee approved the statutory rule for the energy payment support scheme payment.

“The statutory rule overview states; the Department proposes making the payment by the end of March 2022, thereby providing direct and immediate financial support to meet additional costs at the time these are likely to be highest.

“However, many households across Northern Ireland desperately need the payment now, and I am therefore calling on the Minister for Communities to expedite the payment.

“Furthermore, I would repeat my previous calls for the Department for Communities to bring forward a support package for the many households who are not eligible under either the emergency fuel payment scheme or the energy payment support scheme.”