Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has launched a consultation into the future provision of home energy efficiency measures in Northern Ireland.

The Affordable Warmth consultation aims to review the operation and administration of the provision of energy efficiency improvements for low income households and proposes a new area based targeted approach.

Launching the consultation the Minister said: "It is estimated that 33,000 households in Northern Ireland have been identified as being in severe or extreme fuel poverty. These households spend 25% or more of their income on household energy costs.

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"Research shows that these households do not take advantage of the help available to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The successful Affordable Warmth pilots in the Mid Ulster Council cluster and Newtownabbey Council areas proved that the use of a more targeted approach produced very positive results.

"Having identified these households I want to take steps to contact them and help them to improve the energy efficiency their homes. This will help households to reduce their fuel outlay costs and improve their health.

"Under these new proposals, the income of the householder will be a key factor in determining entitlement to the scheme. Households on a low income but not necessarily in receipt of a social security benefit may qualify for help from the proposed scheme."

(CD/JP)