Press release

Finance Minister slashes energy efficiency incentives

11 February 2011

Friends of the Earth has questioned the Minister for Finance's decision today to scrap two rate relief schemes. One is the energy efficiency homes scheme, which provides for a one off rebate where loft or cavity wall insulation is installed. The other offered a full rebate from rates (for up to two or five years) for low and zero carbon homes.

The campaigning organisation has warned that this will have a serious affect on our ability to deal with rising fuel prices and the very poor energy efficiency standards in Northern Ireland homes. The group suggested this could have the effect of creating even further fuel poverty.

Friends of the Earth Director, James Orr commentated :

"With one stroke of his pen the Finance Minister has increased rates, worsened fuel poverty, reduced job prospects and made Northern Ireland more vulnerable to rising fuel prices. This is a devastating blow to families who want to get out of fuel poverty. This Minster and his party claim to support lower rates. They also claim to want to help the building industry. It seems that the Minister abandoned any interest in creating a greener, prosperous and fairer Northern Ireland."

He added:

"For the Minister to claim that he is scrapping this scheme to help the Green New Deal is crass hypocrisy. The Green New Deal is designed to tackle fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs. This is also the purpose of these 'green' rebate schemes. Green rate rebates and the Green New Deal are complementary schemes to promote the low carbon economy. It seems the Minister is just hell-bent on scrapping anything with the word 'green' in it."

Notes

Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. We campaign on a range of issues including climate change, biodiversity, waste, transport and food. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
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BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
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Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust