Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Ridiculous wait over fuel payment

Published: 10 July, 2009

Sinn Féin assembly member and his party's spokesperson on welfare rights, Mickey Brady has said that it is ridiculous that many people in Newry/Armagh who are eligible for the £150 Household Fuel Payment are still waiting to receive it nearly five months on.

Mr Brady said,

"Over the past few weeks our constituency offices in Newry, Armagh and Crossmaglen have been contacted by a large number of qualifying householders who have written to the Fuel Poverty Team (some more than once) as well as contacting the helpline number that was given (which has now been withdrawn) but are still awaiting any kind of response.

"The issue of fuel poverty in this area is increasing on a daily basis and it's clear that many people are in genuine need of help .Its absolutely ridiculous that people are still waiting to receive the Household Fuel Payment nearly five months after it was announced.

"The administration of the scheme should have been straightforward and delays like this are totally unacceptable