The UK Government has confirmed that Northern Ireland will receive around £17 million in support to help households impacted by rising heating oil prices.

Speaking following the announcement, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“The announcement of support for households impacted by rising heating oil costs is welcome. At least the Government now appears to be listening.

I have been calling for action on this issue for some time and it is clear those concerns have been heard. However, while this funding is welcome and is a small start, it will not go far enough given the scale of pressure families are under. There are simpler and more effective measures available such as reducing fuel duty, cutting VAT on home heating and making full use of our own gas and oil resources in the North Sea, but we are where we are.

What must happen now is action at Stormont.

Sinn Fein departments have already been exposed for failing to get the £81 million that is currently available out the door to support households. Now, with a further £17 million coming to Northern Ireland, there can be no more excuses and no more delays.

We will not allow this funding to sit unused while families struggle with soaring heating oil costs. The Executive must step up, act quickly and get this support to people in need without delay and not allow Sinn Fein to delay.”