ALONE issue open letter calling for action from Ministers on fuel poverty
Dublin, 7th February 2022: ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age at home, has today issued an open letter to the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan and Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler calling for action on fuel poverty. This is because 40% of all the current inflation is caused by fuel and energy prices. We need targeted measure on energy and then on the other daily basics items that are needed to stay safe and well
In the letter, the organisation notes that the government have taken measures in recent months, such as increasing the Fuel Allowance in Budget 2022 and the €100 credit towards bills, however, ALONE do not believe that the measures will address the hardship being experienced.
ALONE have called for an increase in the Fuel Allowance for the remaining season, widening the eligibility criteria for the Allowance, ring-fencing all revenue raised from the Carbon Tax towards a Just Transition Plan and prioritising low-income households in fuel poverty for retrofitting.
ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan commented, “We know that government have taken some steps to address the financial hardship being experienced, however, we do not believe that these measures alone will address the current crisis. We have stated this clearly to Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Mary Butler.
“ALONE welcome that government are considering a range of measures to support people. These measures need to ensure no older person is left in the cold, having to decide between heating or eating.
“In our letter, we have called for an immediate increase in the Fuel Allowance, one that takes into consideration the dramatic increase in inflation and we urgently need to widen the eligibility criteria for the Allowance. Older people are also more likely to live in the least energy efficient homes; we need to do more to ensure that older people are warm in their homes. All revenue from the Carbon Tax must be ring-fenced towards a Just Transition Plan aimed at low-income households experiencing fuel poverty and these households should be prioritised for retrofitting.
