Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Conor Coyle

£600 payment needs to be paid to bill-payers and not landlords, West Tyrone MP says

Assurances have been sought from the UK government that those living in rented accommodation will receive the £600 energy payment rather than their landlords.

Sinn Féín MP for West Tyrone, Órfhlaith Begley, has written to the British Secretary Of State seeking assurances that the £600 Energy Payment Voucher will go directly to those who pay the energy bills in privately rented accommodation.

The UK government has announced details of the payments this week, which are expected to begin rolling out in mid January.

READ MORE: Carrickmore and Nirvana: Kurt Cobain’s Co Tyrone roots explained

The West Tyrone MP said: “I have taken this step following a large volume of representations from tenants in private rentals and those in student accommodation.

“While many of these tenants use ‘pay as you go metres’ to top up their electric as well as paying for other energy needs, they fear that they may not receive the help they so urgently need as the ‘electric bill account’ is in the name of the landlord/owner and as such the voucher would be sent to them instead.

“While most landlords are conscientious and would no doubt pass the vouchers on to their tenants there are also some unscrupulous landlords who clearly would not.

“Therefore, it is imperative that the British government ensure that the necessary protections are included in the roll out of the scheme to ensure that those who pay the energy bills for a given property are those who actually receive the £600 Voucher."

Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart confirmed on Friday that for customers on standard credit schemes without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment (keypad) meters, the payments will take the form of vouchers, with the most vulnerable customers getting priority access.

He said: "We are determined to ensure that whatever their circumstances, every customer in Northern Ireland gets the support they are entitled to.

“Those without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment meters, will from January start to get these important vouchers which will provide vital help with their bills. Those already paying by direct debit will get the support straight into their bank accounts."

READ NEXT:

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. T o sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.