This autumn has seen massive and unprecedented increases in oil costs and an 11% increase in gas costs. The Chancellor has been urged by the fuel poverty charity Neighbourhood Energy Action Northern Ireland to announce an increase in Winter Fuel Payments in line with these increased fuel costs, and to extend the Winter Fuel Payment to low income families and those with significant disabilities.

Majella McCloskey, Director of NEA NI said, "A massive injection of resources is required not only to ensure that government meets its proposed target of eradicating fuel poverty by 2016, but also to ensure that the old and vulnerable in our community are not exposed to great risk during colder weather this autumn and winter."