Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed an overall reduction in fuel poverty levels for Northern Ireland, following the publication of the latest Home Energy Conservation Authority (HECA) annual report.

The Survey reports that fuel poverty has reduced from 44% in 2009 to 42% in 2011, this equates to almost 14,000 less households in fuel poverty.

The Minister said: "This past year alone, more than £37million has been invested on heating, insulation and double glazing to improve the energy efficiency of homes. These are investments that have made a real difference to the lives of thousands of people across Northern Ireland.

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"I have said before the issue of fuel poverty is not one we can overcome overnight, but something that will take time and innovative thinking to tackle. Over the past year the Executive has demonstrated its commitment to this, allocating funding for a one off fuel allowance payment to around 250,000 vulnerable people here as well as making provision to double glaze 30,000 Housing Executive properties by 2015.

"In addition, my Department alongside the Housing Executive has replaced old inefficient boilers and provided insulation for thousands of homes. It seems this work is now beginning to have a real and lasting effect for many of our most vulnerable households, as well as providing a boost for many small businesses."

(CD/GK)