Murphy announces energy costs support for families

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has today announced the allocation of £55 million to fund a new Energy Payment Support Scheme to help families struggling with increased energy costs.

The funding agreed by the Executive will be provided to the Department for Communities to support vulnerable households.

Announcing the funding, Minister Murphy commented: “The cost of living crisis and rising fuel costs have left many families facing an uncertain winter.  The prospect of choosing between heating your home or putting food on the table is a choice no family should have to make. 

“Given the severe hardship facing families and the need to get support out onto the ground, I was keen to be able to allocate funding in advance of January monitoring.

“This vital funding will provide a lifeline to many families.”

 In addition to funding the Energy Payment Support Scheme, the Executive has also agreed an allocation of £2 million for energy costs associated with roads and £1.8 million for NI Water to address urgent and immediate pressures as a result of increased energy costs. 

Notes to editors: 

1. The funds for the scheme have become available as a result of reduced requirements from Departments and £13.8 million Barnett consequential from the Westminster Household Support Fund. Details of reduced requirements will be published as part of the upcoming January monitoring round.

2. A Written Ministerial Statement on these allocations can be found at:  https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/written-ministerial-statement-2021-22-public-expenditure-energy-support-scheme

3. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Finance Press Office on Tel: 028 9081 6724 or email dof.pressoffice@finance-ni.gov.uk.

4. Follow us on Twitter @dptfinance

5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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