Thompson’s concern over fuel poverty

Fuel poverty continues to be a major issue in Moyle with a recent survey suggesting that as many as 60% of households in the district are in fuel poverty, according to Glens councillor, Colum Thompson.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2012, 11:10 BST

In a statement, Cllr. Thompson said: “Many public representatives have spoken on the issue and there have been a number of fuel poverty conferences and events over the past winter.

“However to my mind the problem will only be solved when The Stormont Assembly addresses the elephant in the room with regard to fuel poverty and that is fuel companies charging a higher price per litre for a small amount of oil than they charge per litre for a larger amount of oil.

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“I have recently seen oil on sale in twenty litre containers for as much as 17 pounds, This equates to 85p a litre.

“At the other end of the scale if you purchase 1000 litres of oil you can get it from some suppliers at 62p a litre. This makes home heating oil 27% more expensive for those who can only afford to buy in smaller quantities.

“This situation cannot be allowed to continue. It is all very well for our MLA’s and Stormont ministers to hold conferences and talk about fuel poverty but in reality this is only paying lip service to the problem.

“Stricter regulations need to be introduced so that the most vulnerable in our society are no longer at a disadvantage when it comes to heating their homes.

“I will be writing to the minister for social development Nelson McCausland to highlight my concerns about fuel poverty.”