Chris Lyttle MLA said: “This is a very significant initiative. These are very difficult times and I am extremely glad that the Executive is providing this funding. We have already seen how harsh winter can be this week and this payment will make a real difference to the lives of many people.
“Fuel poverty can have a devastating impact and it is very positive that the Executive is delivering this assistance.
“I am also pleased that there will be no application process for this scheme and it is good that payments will be made on an automatic basis to people who meet the criteria.
“I believe we should also be looking at increasing energy efficiency in homes and a green new deal-style insulation scheme to help keep people’s heating bills as low as possible while also boosting our construction sector is very important.” ENDS