SDLP Calls For Executive Support Package After Energy Costs Spike

The SDLP is calling on the Executive to provide a support package to help families struggling with the spike in energy costs.

Prices have risen sharply following the outbreak of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has submitted an urgent question to Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald to address the issue in the Assembly on Monday.

He and SDLP Opposition Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin have also written jointly to Minister Archibald and Finance Minister John O’Dowd outlining a number of potential interventions.

South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:

“In the past week we have seen the price of home heating oil nearly double following the outbreak of the latest conflict in the Middle East. Increases in the cost of gas are also inevitable. This is causing significant concern for many households across Northern Ireland who were already struggling to get by before this latest crisis.

“Sinn Féin have lambasted the Irish Government for failing to step in to support people, yet their own Ministers in the North hold the two portfolios responsible for responding to this developing situation – Economy and Finance – and action has been minimal. So it is right to ask these ministers what they intend to do to help under pressure families in this part of the island.

“The SDLP is bringing forward a number of proposals to support families in the short term and to ensure we are no longer left at the mercy of world events. The Executive could use some of the funding allocated through the recent Spring Statement from the UK Government to create a targeted scheme to help the most vulnerable households with energy costs. We also need legislation to regulate the sale of home heating oil and a renewed focus on delivering a green energy transition.

“This is not a situation where the Executive can afford to sit on its hands while stress is heaped on households across Northern Ireland. Leadership demands action in a time of crisis and we need to see Ministers using their powers to ensure every action is taken to support people who need it most.”

ENDS