Press Release
National Insulation Association: NI Warm Homes scheme is not 'wasting grants' but helping to alleviate fuel poverty
Wednesday, July 2 2008
The National Insulation Association (NIA) has responded to the publication of a recent Audit Office report on the subject of the Warm Homes energy efficiency programme in Northern Ireland.
Whilst they welcome the opportunity to explore ways of ensuring this Scheme helps even more of those suffering from high fuel bills, it is essential that the benefits this Scheme have brought to vulnerable householders in Northern Ireland are highlighted.
John Mason, Head of Policy and Communications at the NIA said, "The Warm Homes programme has already contributed towards the 20% increase in energy efficiency over the last decade in Northern Ireland and has helped bring carbon emissions down by almost three million tonnes per year.
"Warm Homes is the key Scheme in Northern Ireland to protect vulnerable householders from the effects of rising fuel bills whilst at the same time reducing their carbon footprint."
On the subject of the Audit Office report's claims that 30% of Warm Homes grants were being used by people not in fuel poverty, John Mason responded, "Fuel bills are increasing all the time and are a growing issue for every householder.
"By taking up available grants within the Warm Homes scheme to insulate their homes, people are safeguarding themselves against the very real risk of suffering from fuel poverty in the future.
"The NIA fully supports preventative measures such as these, in conjunction with addressing the issues of those currently suffering from fuel poverty.”
The Audit Office report also claimed that many people in fuel poverty were currently not taking up the grants available to them via the Warm Homes scheme, which the NIA is fully committed to helping address.
"A quarter of households in Northern Ireland still suffer from fuel poverty*, and although it's an improving picture, the NIA and its members are striving to help householders become more aware of what grants are available to them and how home insulation can help cut their fuel bills and improve their comfort levels.
"The Government and the media also have their role to play in spreading the word and must do everything they can to support these initiatives to reach the widest possible audience."
Latest Press Releases
- National Insulation Association: NI Warm Homes scheme is not 'wasting grants' but helping to alleviate fuel poverty
- Reduce your annual energy bills by around £275
- INSULATION CHIEF ADDS SUPPORT TO THE FUEL POVERTY SUMMIT AND CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INTO HOME INSULATION MEASURES
- Energy big six pledge £225 million for fuel poverty – Don’t forget the home insulation
- Aged 70 and over? It’s not just cheap to insulate your home – it could be FREE
- NEW HOMES FOR AN AGEING POPULATION –WHAT ABOUT THE AGEING POPULATION LIVING IN AGEING HOMES?
- Insulation – combating the misery of energy price rises
- Energy Agency win coveted National Home Improvement Council award for insulation innovation.
- Insulation Industry Welcomes Climate Change Bill
- Minister confirms doubling of activity to reduce carbon emissions in homes
Spread your message to an audience that counts, with options available for our website, email bulletins and publications including The House Magazine.
