Call for Executive to put a 'winter plan in place to support people as oil prices continue to rise'
There has been a call for the Stormont Executive to “immediately put a winter plan in place to support people as oil prices continue to rise”.
Aontú Ballyarnett representative Emmet Doyle said: “As we look into September and the autumn period, it is imperative that the Executive put in place real help for people who will struggle to heat their homes in the next few months.
“Heating oil prices have jumped in the last four days, with consumers facing a jump of £24 for 300 litres, £38 for 500 litres and £69 for 900 litres,” he added.
“While these are not in the same margin as earlier in the year, it is inevitable that, with demand rising and uncertainty over wholesale oil due to the situation in the Middle East, these costs will rise.
“The £100 oil voucher for a limited number of customers will simply not cut it at these prices; 300 litres is now around £295 and many oil companies will not deliver less than this, rendering the vouchers less than useful to many.
“This follows a 19.2% gas price rise for SSE Airtricity customers to begin in October, and no help from Stormont for gas customers, which will hit people hard.
“Aontú initiated a Warm Bank scheme in Derry and Strabane District Council, and I am calling on them to re-invigorate that initiative and prepare to open its facilities to offer a place for people to go who are struggling to heat their home that is sociable, welcoming and local,” said Mr Doyle.
“Many people in our community will need help to keep their homes warm this winter - and any schemes going forward have to be open to everyone regardless of whether they are in work or not."