Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, taking place on Wednesday 26 November, is an annual event highlighting the ongoing challenge of fuel poverty and raising awareness of the impact it has on individuals and families across the UK.
This year’s theme focuses on children living in fuel poverty, emphasising how living in a cold home can affect their health, wellbeing, comfort, and life chances. In 2024, it was estimated that around 8% of households in Antrim and Newtownabbey were living in fuel poverty, with almost 30% of children growing up in areas of deprivation.
In response to growing concerns about poverty and inequality, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council established its Anti-Poverty Steering Group in January 2024 to develop a co-ordinated and comprehensive Anti-Poverty Strategy. The strategy focuses on tackling the root causes of poverty, including energy affordability, and aims to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
Energy support is a key pillar of this strategy, helping families access appropriate programmes and services, and building the capacity of community partners to support households in need.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said:
“Fuel poverty is not just an energy issue, it is a community issue. Every resident deserves to feel secure and warm in their own home. As Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that our Council continues to support families who are struggling and to work with partners to create long-term solutions that lift people out of hardship.”
Alderman Julian McGrath, Chair of the Anti-Poverty Steering Group, added:
“As Chair of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Anti-Poverty Steering Group, I am delighted to support National Energy Action’s Fuel Poverty Awareness Day. Fuel poverty affects many within our Borough, including children who deserve a warm, safe, and healthy home. The Council’s Anti-Poverty Steering Group is working to address the root causes of poverty while also providing practical relief for those most in need
The Council offers several initiatives to help residents manage energy costs. These include the Oil Stamp Scheme, which allows residents to purchase £5 oil stamps from local retailers to spread the cost of home heating oil, and Energy Saving Advice, delivered by the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Team, which offers practical guidance on improving home energy efficiency and reducing heating costs.
For more information about energy efficiency and cost-of-living support, visit:
antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/energy-efficiency
To learn more about the Council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, visit:
antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/anti-poverty-strategy