Heat or Eat? Northern Ireland branch raises funds to combat fuel poverty
The Northern Ireland branch of Church Action on Poverty is working to tackle fuel poverty
The group's secretary, Scott Peddie, writes:
We have formed a partnership with Antrim Borough Council and Home-Start Antrim to encourage local churches to donate to a fund which will be used to purchase heating oil stamps and gas credits for vulnerable local families. Fuel poverty is a particular problem in Northern Ireland, so we're piloting this scheme in the Antrim area this year with a view to rolling it out across other council areas. Further details on the project, including the press release and letter sent to local churches, can be seen on our website.
The Northern Ireland group is also a founder member of the NI Fuel Poverty Coalition, co-ordinated by the NI Consumer Council. The coalition was launched via NI's largest newspaper - the Belfast Telegraph on 1 November, featuring case studies and comments from the various coalition partners, including the Church Action on Poverty group.
