NEA NI welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Consumer Council’s Draft 2024-2025 Forward Work Progamme. We work closely with the CCNI across many aspects of this work, but especially in relation to energy issues including consumer protection, empowering consumers, and policy development.

We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Department of Finance’s consultation on the overarching draft Budget 2025-26. Our recommendations are driven by the urgent need to end fuel poverty in Northern Ireland, affecting as many as 40% of households according to recent polling.

The Fuel Poverty Coalition (FPC) Northern Ireland is united by our ambition to highlight the need for urgent action to eradicate fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. There is clear need for a strategic, cross-departmental, and cross-sectoral approach to tackle NI’s fuel poverty crisis.

NEA NI remains deeply concerned about the recent policy changes to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Scheme (WFP), as the revised eligibility criteria is too restrictive.

We warmly welcome the draft Corporate Plan’s commitment to partnership and evidence-based practice. NEA NI is pleased to work in partnership with the PHA through its Northern Exposure Programme, to deliver initiates like the Belfast Warm and Well Project.

The proposed projects clearly appear to contribute to protecting and empowering consumers in Northern Ireland.

NEA NI has long advocated for an updated Fuel Poverty Strategy, as there is a clear need for a strategic, cross-departmental, and cross-sectoral approach to tackle Northern Ireland’s fuel poverty crisis.

NEA NI welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission.

We support the Department’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving the energy performance of homes.