Stories

Sat, 14 Mar 2026

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 Heating oil support 'needs to be delivered now'

Rachel Reeves says the Treasury is also looking at "different options" to help households most vulnerable to soaring energy bills.

* Joleen Cunningham, Carers NI: "It's a relief, but it needs to be delivered to people now."
* People in Northern Ireland will want to see the relief delivered quickly and speedily.
* Carers are struggling to make ends meet due to high heating costs.
* Megan Stith of Barnardo's NI: Help offered should not be short-term. "It's incredibly important to us that families, especially children of all ages, get sustainable heating in their homes."
* Pauline Buller, Aghalee pensioner: "Most people would say it is welcome because the prices have gone up massively." She also questions how the help will be delivered and who will be eligible.
* DUP's Phillip Brett: The Department for the Economy should urgently bring forward a scheme to deliver support for households who depend on home heating oil.
* Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald: Any planned intervention must be meaningful, targeted, and delivered without delay. People are struggling with sudden increase in energy prices, especially home heating oil.
* Government spokesperson: The Chancellor will take necessary decisions to help families with the cost of living and protect public finances.