- Why were the Beechmount and Willowfield areas selected as pilots for this scheme when the highest levels of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland are found in the Oldpark area of North Belfast? What is the timescale envisaged for the implementation of the scheme and how will it be geographically spread?
- The pilot areas were agreed after discussions with Bryson House as being catchment areas of very high fuel poverty. Mindful of the success of the pilot schemes, there is no reason why they cannot be replicated elsewhere. The important issue is that the proposals directly target the most vulnerable across Northern Ireland, who will therefore fall within the scheme.
The Department is hoping initially to target some 8000 households per annum, though this depends on the cost of implementing the energy measures. The scheme will operate Province-wide from the outset, and, indeed, a plan for the Derry City Council area is already being worked on.
- You mention the very valid aim of targeting those in our society most at risk. But why does the scheme make a distinction between those over 60 and those under 60 who may be sick and disabled, in terms of the maximum grant that can be claimed?
- The aim of the scheme is to target the limited funds at those who were deemed most vulnerable, but the point made is a valid one and will be taken on board.
- While I am glad to see progress in this area, which has been rapidly moving up the agenda in recent years, it falls far short of what is needed to tackle the problem effectively. There needs to be some form of fuel poverty index, with benchmarks and targets; the eligibility criteria for the scheme seem very complex and could compound difficulties in attracting applicants.
- I am sorry that you are not happy with the progress that this scheme entails, as we see it very much as a quantum leap, a radical step. There is undoubtedly a tremendous amount of work to do, but we must learn to crawl before we walk.
Is the Department aware of a report on fuel poverty in Great Britain due to be published this autumn from which ideas could be gleaned? Have the points made by the NEA in response to the scheme been taken on board?
In terms of the rural situation, the Department is mindful of the need to target specifically, but to try to define extreme fuel poverty, for example, would be very subjective and complicated.
As regards the GB scheme, we are represented on an inter-departmental working group, and Northern Ireland's particular circumstances will be reflected in the Westminster report.
In terms of the eligibility criteria, the Department anticipates that the majority of applicants will be referral cases rather than individuals coming forward of their own volition.
As regards the NEA input into the consultation process, there have been a number of responses, and at the end of the process the Department will put forward its view, having regard to the various submissions received.
- I am concerned, particularly in relation to the rural areas, as to how this process will roll out. Also, how will the criteria for selection for contractors be decided and how will standards of work be monitored?
- The exact mechanics of the rollout have not yet been thought through but there will be no urban/rural bias or differentiation. There will be an overall Scheme Manager responsible whose role will be subject to tight specifications. There already exists a network of 15 installers who have proved their capability in DEES I.
- Is the overall cap of £2000 for all the insulation measures and an installation/conversion cost realistic? Can you give an assurance that the grants will fully meet people's needs? What would happen if a person's heating installation costs exceeded the maximum?
- The Department is confident that the sums will meet the need, as has already been shown in the Beechmount/Willowfield trials. £750 is set aside for insulation measures, and £1250 for heating installations. Experience shows that the full sum allocated for insulation is not always required and the excess can be redirected to the installation budget.
The energy levy regulator has decreed that 90% of NIE's £1.3m energy levy be set aside to tackle fuel poverty, and this will also be used to top-up grants where necessary. Under the scheme the Department can enter into competitive tendering arrangements, and there will be economies of scale given the numbers involved. In addition, VAT is reduced to 5% for this scheme, thus making a further saving.