The Northern Ireland Executive agreed today that thousands of vulnerable households will receive payments of £150 (€168) towards their winter fuel bills.
The money will not be available until April, but ministers revealed that an extra £7.5 million (€8.4 million) had been added to the scheme, increasing the numbers eligible from 100,000 people to 150,000.
Despite earlier predictions that the aid would automatically be cut from fuel bills, the cash support will now go directly to those homes benefiting.
The total cost of the scheme will now be £22.5 million (€25.2 million) but ministers said today that they had already identified the necessary funding.
NI First Minister Peter Robinson said: “This household fuel payment will go some way to alleviate the financial pressures that many people are currently experiencing due to the economic downturn.
“The Executive is committed to doing all it can to provide assistance to those most in need.”
Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness confirmed that the scheme had been passed at a meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive held this afternoon.
Mr McGuinness said: “This is another positive result for our people and further demonstration of what the local administration can achieve for local people.
“The increase of monies from the original £15 million (€16.8 million) to now £22.5 million will be welcome news to those who are facing hardship at this difficult time.”
PA