83% of old people living alone in fuel poverty

EIGHTY-THREE per cent of old people living alone in Northern Ireland are in fuel poverty according to the latest survey carried out by the Housing Executive (NIHE).

DUP MLA Gregory Campbell asked the Housing Minister Nelson McCausland for an estimate of the percentage of households, with at least one senior citizen resident, that will be in fuel poverty as a result of the current fuel price increases.

Mr McCausland responded by outlining the shocking level of fuel poverty amongst older people.

Fuel poverty is measured through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s House Condition Survey and the latest survey was undertaken in 2009. The survey found that 53 per cent of households headed by a person aged 60 to 74 and 76 per cent of households headed by a person aged 75 and over were in fuel poverty. In addition the survey found that 83 per cent of lone older households were in fuel poverty,” he stated.

Mr Campbell also asked the Minister - in light of impending oil price increases - whether he had any plans to discuss with NIHE its policy of replacing home heating systems.

He replied: “The Housing Executive has carried out a review of its heating policy which has been submitted to the Department for consideration. That review considers all aspects of the Housing Executive’s heating policy including home heating systems. I understand that the Housing Executive intends to publish its review in due course.”