SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Mark H Durkan has expressed his dismay over the exclusion of the clinically vulnerable, low incomes households and those on other benefits from the Covid Heat Payment.
In response to Mr Durkan’s Assembly question on the matter, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey stated the expansion of the scheme was not currently under consideration.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The Department this week have hailed the Covid Heat Payment a bona-fide success and while I fully welcome that individuals on certain disability benefits have availed of this payment, it is lamentable that the scheme has failed where inclusivity is concerned.
“Not only was the scheme flawed in its approach in discerning which level of disability should benefit from assistance but it chose to ignore groups of individuals in profound need of such support.
“I am disappointed but not surprised that the Department for Communities have chosen not to consider an expansion of the Covid Heat Payment to include those currently shielding, on low incomes or other benefits.
“In doing so, they have placed these people at a significant disadvantage.
“The scheme in its current design fails to accommodate working families or other vulnerable households who are no doubt also feeling the financial strain brought on by the pandemic.
“In my opinion, it is entirely unreasonable that particularly those people asked to work from home, who will have seen their utility bills soar during periods of lockdown, should not be included in this vital support.
“The reassurance of heat in their homes would have been a small but very welcome provision.
“As the Covid restrictions look set to continue, I would ask that Minister Hargey urgently reconsiders her stance on this scheme.”
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