30 January 2006
HANSON WELCOMES PROGRESS AGAINST FUEL POVERTY
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today announced that the number of households in fuel poverty in Northern Ireland has been reduced by 50,000.
Speaking at the launch of the Housing Executive's annual Home Energy Conservation Report, the Minister said:
"The number of households in fuel poverty has reduced from 203,000 to 153,530 since 2001 and the number of vulnerable households decreased from 181,000 to 126,100. This success is a direct result of the increased investment which we have made through the various energy efficiency schemes across Northern Ireland.
"The Housing Executive is Northern Ireland's Home Energy Conservation Authority and its Annual Report shows a 17.2% improvement in energy efficiency since 1996 which has led to a reduction of 2.2 million tonnes in the amount of carbon used annually."
Referring to the specific schemes which have helped to bring about the reductions the Minister said:
"The Warm Homes Scheme has helped more than 25,000 families. Energy efficiency measures have provided everything from providing hot water jackets to installing central heating systems for pensioners. Baseline funding has increased from just over £3 million in 2001 to more than £15 million in the incoming financial year."
"This, coupled with the Housing Executive's schemes, which have over the past six years provided more than 40,000 new heating systems to its tenants, represents a major investment in housing in Northern Ireland. We understand fully the value these small practical measures bring to people's lives. We now have a situation where more than 97% of properties have some form of central heating, 78% have some form of wall insulation and 95% have loft insulation."
The Minister said that despite this there is no room for complacency and he pointed to the recent increases in energy costs across the sector:
"It is clear that the era of cheap fuel is over and it is likely that this will have an impact on future fuel poverty figures this creates a greater need to conserve energy and to ensure that those who rely on fuels such as natural gas can be sure that they are getting the best possible value for money. In this regard I welcome today's announcement by my colleague Angela Smith that the gas supply market will be opened to competition, for domestic and non-domestic customers, in the Greater Belfast and Larne areas. This means that Phoenix Natural Gas will no longer have an exclusive licence to supply gas in these areas and will open the way for other suppliers to come into the market."
The Minister stressed, however that in the longer term there is a need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and find new forms of renewable energy which are not exhaustible and are more environmentally friendly. He therefore welcomed the establishment of the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund, announced by the Secretary of State in Budget 2005.
He said: "The Environment and Renewable Energy fund which has been allocated over £60 million, which will test out technologies to increase the use of renewable energy including the use of solar panels and the development of pilot community based heating systems in social housing. The Fund will also include the additional funding for the Warm Homes Scheme which was allocated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his pre budget statement. As a result I will be able to increase the volume of work carried out under the Warm Homes scheme from 8,250 to 10,000. Within this the number of new central heating systems provided to pensioners will increase from 2,750 to 4.000. I also propose to extend the eligibility criteria for central heating systems to include those in receipt of non means tested disability related benefits."
The Chairman of the Housing Executive, Mr Brian Rowntree, echoed the Minister's comments about recent increases in home energy costs. He said:
"Fuel poverty affects our most vulnerable people and today, more than ever before, we need to continue to drive and improve energy efficiency in Northern Ireland. The 17.2% improvement which has been recorded since 1996 has come about through targeting households and encouraging them to take practical steps to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This is as much about improving health and wellbeing as it about protecting the environment. It is important for everyone to put their shoulders to the wheel to encourage more people to take up energy efficiency measures which are available to them.
"Whether is to save money or protect the environment I want to encourage everyone to play their part in saving energy. While the Department and Housing Executive can invest in new technologies and schemes, it is also important for individuals to do their bit. There are some simple but effective steps that can be taken to save energy and reduce heating and electricity bills. These cost very little to do. I encourage all householders to adopt these simple measures or to get information and advice about the type of improvements that can save them money and help protect the environment."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1 Free energy advice is available through the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512012. For information on the Warm Homes Scheme ring the Eaga Partnership on FREEPHONE 0800 181 667
2 The Home Conservation Annual Report is available online at: www.nihe.gov.uk
3 The 2004 Interim House Condition Survey, will be published by the Housing Executive in Spring 2006.
4 The Department for Social Development is responsible for Fuel Poverty Strategy. Additional funding of £11 .5 million was made available through the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund. Of this funding £9.2 million will enable the Department to increase the number of energy efficiency measures provided under the Warm Homes scheme from 8,250 to 10,000. This will allow the Department to increase number of energy efficient central systems provided to over 60s under the scheme from 2,750 to 4,000. It is also proposed to extend the eligibility criteria to over 60s in receipt of non means tested disability related benefits.
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