Magherafelt councillor calls for immediate action on the cost of energy crisis
SDLP's Christine McFlynn says increased costs are putting 'significant financial pressure' on families, workers and businesses across the district
Magherafelt SDLP Councillor Christine McFlynn has called for immediate action by the Executive to alleviate the financial pressure on families, workers and businesses in the ongoing energy cost crisis.
Councillor McFlynn was speaking after this month’s meeting of the Mid Ulster Council supported an amended motion calling for the Executive to press the UK Government to deliver a package of support measures.
“The SDLP believes that the Executive can, and should, take immediate action to alleviate the ongoing cost of energy crisis," said Cllr McFlynn.
“Those increased costs are putting significant financial pressure on families, workers and businesses across our district.
“While the main fiscal levers sit with the UK Government, the Executive has a clear responsibility to act, coordinate and deliver targeted support.
“People were already struggling with high food prices and a general increased cost of living.
“US President Trump’s reckless and ill-considered war on Iran has created a bottleneck in the supply of oil and other goods - driving up the price of oil globally, leaving many people struggling to fuel their cars, heat their homes and buy groceries.
“There continues to be a real risk of a slowdown in economic growth, further fuel inflation and an increased likelihood of a global recession.
“Mid Ulster is particularly exposed in this crisis with our reliance on home heating oil, private transport, and the importance of agriculture and small businesses to our local, rural economy.
“Farmers, in particular, face a difficult situation with fuel, energy and fertiliser costs all seeing a price hike.
“I welcome the fact that the Executive has belatedly announced additional funding for a home heating oil scheme that will supplement funding already announced by the British Government.
"But the details of the proposed scheme remain vague, and delivery uncertain. It will take at least three months to put in place and will exclude many working families.
“Instead of the required urgency, there has been delay, confusion and public infighting both between Executive parties, and with the UK Government.
“This is the same pattern we’ve seen time and again - a crisis hits and this Executive hesitates, divides, and ultimately falls short.
“We have the right to expect a government that recognises the problem and responds with urgency.
“But, right now, people are being left to face rising costs on their own.
“The SDLP has already written to the First and deputy First Ministers, and the British Prime Minister, calling for a range of actions - from delivering a fair oil support scheme to improving energy efficiency and reducing transport costs.
“Rural fuel duty relief should be extended to the North, there should be increased support for those working in domiciliary care, reduced fares for public transport, and targeted support for industries that have been most affected.
“The SDLP will continue to press the Executive, and the British Government, to take the action needed to alleviate the immediate financial pressure on families, workers and businesses.”