Government Must Take Action on Fuel Poverty- Nugent Speaking after the announcement by the ESB that it will be hiking electricity prices by 12% from

Government Must Take Action on Fuel Poverty- Nugent

Speaking after the announcement by the ESB that it will be hiking electricity prices by 12% from October, Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent has called on the government to reverse cuts in the gas and electricity allowance for the elderly.

Cllr Nugent said:

“Yesterday’s announcement by the ESB that electricity prices will be going up by 12% in October follows an earlier hike in gas prices of 22%.”

“At the same time as gas and electricity prices are going up, the government is imposing a 19% cut on gas and electricity allowances for elderly people.”

“Fuel poverty contributes to up to 2,000 deaths across Ireland every year. With the prospect of another hard winter ahead, it is vital that elderly people are able to heat their homes.”

“The government should immediately reinstate the full gas and electricity allowances for elderly people. It should also give some relief to hard-pressed householders by reducing VAT on fuel in the next budget.”

For further information contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793