Thousands of Mid Ulster families get support to tackle fuel poverty

Announced at the end of January, the £160K programme aims to help those who may be experiencing difficulties in heating their homes, with fuel vouchers being distributed in partnership with post-primary and primary schools to families in receipt of free school meals.

This week and next will see the final allocation of 1,750 fuel stamps to eligible families via their post primary and primary schools.

Chair of the Council, Councillor Cathal Mallaghan, has welcomed the speed of the scheme’s implementation.

“In a matter of weeks, we have moved from announcing this scheme to seeing 4000 families receiving vital support towards fuel costs, helping to ease the overall financial burden that people most in need in our local communities are facing," he said.

“While we all wish these schemes weren’t necessary, the reality is that they are and the need is only increasing as a result of the pandemic.

“Our thanks go to the Department for Communities for this vital funding and to our local education sector, itself coping with plenty of its own challenges, which is working closely and willingly with us to get the support to where it is needed”.

The Council also continues to provide support to charities which are responding to local people in food and fuel crisis.

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