07 September 2022
Emergency Winter Vulnerability Response Group
Urgent action to mitigate the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis in Northern Ireland is required. We know that local households of all shapes and sizes are being pummeled by spiraling living costs. Energy bills have increased by hundreds of pounds per year, record levels of inflation are making essentials like food and fuel unaffordable, and neither wages nor social security support have risen sufficiently to cushion the blow.
This morning we hosted an emergency meeting to bring together energy suppliers, the Utility Regulator, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, expert NGOs, and elected representatives to identify measures that can be done to support consumers ahead of this winter.
We brought forward a number of suggestions, which we believe could help reduce the impact on the most vulnerable, as well as measures to try and help all households ahead of the winter.
Please click here to read the suggestions brought forward at the meeting.
This was only the initial discussion and more meetings will take place. Between meetings, we will continue to engage with participants as well as Politicans, civil servants and expert advice and support agencies to try and progress measures at pace.