South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

PARKER CALLS FOR EXTENSION OF GREEN REBATE SCHEME TO HELP TACKLE FUEL POVERTY

Published: 4 November, 2008

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has echoed calls by Party colleagues in the Assembly for the Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, to extend eligibility for a green rebate beyond owner-occupiers so that those who rent Housing Executive properties or live in private rentals are able to avail of the scheme.


Mr Parker said,

"The criteria for receiving the 'green rebate' is that home owner-occupiers have installed energy saving measures into their home. The two measures are the installation of loft and cavity wall insulation.


"However, many people who have invested in such measures themselves; measures that would see them avail of the green rebate on their rates bill, are not currently receiving it as they are renting from the Housing Executive or other landlords.


"This is a measure that should be extended beyond owner-occupiers. Given the current economic climate, the spiralling cost of fuel, the increasing awareness of 'fuel poverty' in our society, this would be an opportune time for the Minister to extend this scheme, thereby creating a massive incentive for people who are renting to invest in the energy saving measures; saving them money and helping at the same time to protect the environment.


"I would hope that the Minister for Finance, Nigel Dodds, will make a decision on the 'green rebate' soon as this is a pressing issue that is affecting thousands of households across the north of Ireland".

CRÍOCH