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

Energy support: Call for clarity on payment for NI households

Alliance have called for clarity surrounding NI energy support payments.

The £400 payment will apply directly to households in England, Scotland and Wales and will be made in six monthly instalments.

It has not yet been decided how to make the payments to households in Northern Ireland. Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA said that clarification needs to be given on how people in Northern Ireland will benefit from energy support payments.

Read more: Places in NI with the cheapest and most expensive diesel and petrol

The Strangford MLA was speaking after details were revealed regarding the £400 scheme in Great Britain. Ms Armstrong said uncertainty remained at what would happen in Northern Ireland due to the lack of an Executive.

She said: “With repeated energy company price increases, households are concerned how they will be able to afford to heat their homes this winter.

“The proposed £400 energy support scheme provided some hope for homes. But without a functioning Executive working to take decisions, we remain unclear as to how the support payments will be made here this autumn.

“Questions remain around issues, including if the money is paid to energy companies, how will the public see the benefit? Or will tenants who pay electric money to a landlord be able to see if it has been applied further?

“Northern Ireland is being left behind because of the lack of a government. The DUP needs to end its boycott, allow the formation of an Executive and let us gain clarity for these support schemes.”

The £400 discount, administered by energy suppliers, will be paid to GB consumers over 6 months with payments starting from October 2022, to ensure households receive financial support throughout the winter months.

Those with a domestic electricity meter point paying for their energy via standard credit, payment card and direct debit will receive an automatic deduction to their bills over the 6 month period – totalling £400.

READ NEXT:

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To 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.