£2m emergency fuel payments aim to benefit 20,000 families

EMERGENCY payments will be made available to those severely impacted by the North’s fuel price crisis.

A number of utility firms have announced price rises in the last few months including gas, electricity and other energy companies.

The Department for Communities, in collaboration with Bryson Charitable Group, the Consumer Council and a range of local energy companies, will contribute £2m to an Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme.

This scheme, which aims to benefit 20,000 families, will open on January 6 and will run until March 31.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said, “The unprecedented energy price rises have meant that those who are already struggling financially are facing added pressures during the winter months and there is therefore a need for an immediate response.

“This additional funding is vital in providing emergency financial support to vulnerable families to meet their energy costs and where it is essential to protect people’s mental health and physical wellbeing.

“The scheme is an excellent example of government working together with private companies and the voluntary and community sector to benefit those in need of support in the time ahead.”