Defining Fuel Poverty in Northern Ireland: A preliminary review

Abstract

Measures to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland over the past decade have been effective but much more needs to be done, new research carried out by the University of Ulster has revealed.‘Defining Fuel Poverty: A Preliminary Review’, which was commissioned by the Department of Social Development, was launched at the Stormont Hotel by the DSD Minister Nelson McCausland.Christine Liddell, Professor of Psychology at the University of Ulster, led the independent Preliminary Review of fuel poverty, which is one of three being carried out across the UK.She said: “While efforts to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland have made measurable inroads – the severity of fuel poverty remains profound for many households.“The Preliminary Review concludes, based on the extensive evidence gathered, that past and present approaches to tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland have delivered a highly cost-effective programme of housing regeneration. Returns from investment in Warm Homes and similar programmes include:-       substantial impacts on human health and well-being;-       significant savings on energy bills for thousands of households;-       measurable returns in terms of job creation;-       a widening of opportunities for consolidating partnerships across the public and private sector