Fuel poverty in Northern Ireland is threatening lives, it was claimed today. Up to a third are suffering because of the high heating costs and low wages, a Belfast conference was told.
The conference at Grosvenor House is one of a series of public meetings taking place across the province to discuss the fuel poverty crisis.
"The main aims are to hear people's views and opinions and to formulate a fuel poverty strategy for Northern Ireland," said Ms Majella McCloskey of National Energy Action NI.
She added: "The cold weather must be taken seriously."
Mr David Crothers, Director of Housing at the Department for Social Development, said: "It is unacceptable that 33 per cent of homes in Northern Ireland suffer from fuel poverty compared with 17 per cent in Scotland and nine per cent in England.
"Living in a cold home is not just uncomfortable, it can be life-threatening."
PA