People could chop down trees to stay warm warns Lisburn councillor

The dystopian vision was expressed during a debate at Lisburn and Castlereagh District Council’s leisure committee on whether to increase funding for community groups heading into the cost of living crisis this winter.

A motion by Killultagh councillor Sian Mullholland (Alliance) had called for the merger of a £50,000 hardship fund and a £30,000 planting programme fund to total a single £80,000 pot of cash for community groups.

The planting scheme had been proposed to help people grow and supply perishable goods to others in their own community.

Cllr Mullholland said: “This is a complex issue for the hardship fund to provide money to everyone who needs it.

“What is proposed is not far reaching enough, the £50,000 hardship fund suggested. I don’t think that will address the real issues.”

However, Cllr Jenny Palmer (UUP) argued that taking money away from food suppliers could see local people taking extreme measures, given the choice over heating or eating.

The Lisburn South representative said: “There is talk of people recycling wood for fire wood. Everybody will be returning to burning fossil fuels, they’ll be out chopping down trees this winter

“We need to be helping foodbanks. I do not agree with not supporting this resource.”

The concern of fast rising heating costs was also highlighted by Lisburn North councillor, Jonathan Craig (DUP).

He said: “Be under no illusions, all households will be under pressure in this energy crisis. I spoke to a constituent this week who is in an agreement to have his oil tank topped up automatically.

“He was given a bill of £2,300 to fill his tank. This is a reality check for all of us. It literally cost a third of that price for oil just a few months ago.”

A merger of the hardship and planting funds was agreed with the criteria to apply for the new funding to be brought to council next month.