The Ulster Unionist Party’s Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen MBE MLA, has - alongside the National Energy Action Northern Ireland (NEANI) - today convened a Round Table discussion on the need for support and intervention in response to the Energy Crisis.

Those also in attendance included the Utility Regulator, Energy Companies, MLAs from other parties and other stakeholders including the Department for the Economy.

Speaking after the meeting Mr. Allen said:

“I am happy to have been able to assist in bringing this forum together, the focus of which is to work collaboratively to support households impacted by the Cost-of-Living crisis. We must work at every level to provide support and intervention – including energy suppliers.

“As far back as last October the Ulster Unionist Party has been calling for the establishment of a fuel poverty task force to work to develop short, medium and long-term solutions. In the absence of action from the Communities Minister on this front, it was necessary to convene today’s meeting to bring stakeholders together. However, there is still time for the Minister to step forward to establish a departmental led fuel poverty task-force.

“It was also disappointing that no representative from the Department for Communities was available to attend today’s meeting to provide an update on what support and intervention they are developing.

“For many households we are far beyond crisis point, and it is therefore imperative that we work at every level to provide intervention and support.”