Ulster Unionist Social Development spokesperson, Michael Copeland MLA has said that it is vital that Minister Nelson McCausland implements the committee’s recommendations on tackling fuel poverty immediately to ensure lives are not put at risk this winter.

Speaking ahead of a debate on the matter in the Assembly, Michael said: “The level of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland has been rising sharply over the last number of years. Record breaking cold winters, inflated energy prices and the current economic downturn have all contributed to this.

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“I and my Party believe that it is about time the Department for Social Development actually move to reduce and prevent fuel poverty here, rather than merely paying lip service to the idea. Indeed, this is why we launched our proposals for how to address this growing crisis back in January.

“It is time for action over fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. We cannot afford to have more lives put in danger this winter. The Executive knows what the problems are. It is now time they went about addressing them."

(CD/GK)