Welcome to our second Newsletter! We have had a busy six months across all strands of our work including campaigns, policy and public affairs, training and projects. We have continued to work with Department for Social Development (DSD) who has responsibility for the fuel poverty strategy, on their Thematic Action Groups (TAGs) and assisted with the production of a range of action plans. The outworking of these plans is imminent and will be instrumental in proving how effective the new structure has been. We also continue to work across all the political parties and Ministries. We held a constructive meeting with Minister Foster and her energy team; discussing a range of issues in relation to fuel poverty such as the Energy Efficiency Obligation proposed in the Energy Bill alongside the issue of oil and regulation. We look forward to working with DETI in their positive contribution to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. NEA also attended a meeting with the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR), accompanied by Phil Flanagan MLA, to propose a pilot on an afforda-ble warmth tariff for older people. We await further developments to scope out the via-bility of a project in this area of work. Our Northern Exposure project continues to tackle the most serious heating issues for individuals across Belfast. The Northern Exposure research with the University of Ulster is due to launch on 20th March 2013 with some interesting findings. While the lead for fuel poverty sits with DSD it is clear that direct interventions to tackle fuel poverty have profound effects on health and mental well-being across all ages; the funding from the Public Health Agency goes some way in highlighting this and we look forward to a busy and productive project in 2013!

February 2013

The purpose of this bi-annual newsletter is to provide policy updates and information about operational programmes as suggested by the NEA NI’s Belfast Community of Interest (COI). If you wish to share any information or indeed join our COI please contact Northern.Ireland@nea.org.uk and we will include you in our communications.

NEA Northern Ire land Newsletter Act ion for Warm Homes

NEA NI Newsletter

Northern Exposure 2

Warm Homes 3

Advice NI’s Debt Advice Service

4

Bryson Energy UMA Project

5

Training & Development 6

Policy Update: NIHE House Condition Survey 2011

7

Policy Update: Transforming Your Care

9

Policy Update: Fit & Well 10

What's to Come 11

Contact NEA/Key Contacts 12

Inside this issue:

Airtricity announced a price increase on the 22nd February 2013 for all Greater Belfast Natural Gas customers. The price increase will commence on the 1st April 2013.

The Utility Regulator has approved the extension of firmus energy (distribution) Ltd’s natural gas network by 10%. Natural Gas will now be brought to the elec-toral wards of Camlough and Bessbrook.

Northern Exposure is a project delivered by NEA NI on behalf of the Fuel Poverty Community of Interest, a cross-

sectoral partnership initiative of the Public Health Agency.

The project aims to tackle home heating and insulation problems of low income families in Belfast by engaging

with local community groups to raise awareness of fuel poverty and energy efficiency.

Information & Advice can be given on the following:

Fuel Poverty

Health Risks of Living in Fuel Poverty

Energy Efficiency Measures

How to Reduce Energy Bills

Switching Fuel Suppliers

Payment Options

Grant Schemes for Energy Efficiency Measures

If you are part of a community group and would like an

information session please contact NEA Northern

Ireland on 028 9023 9909.

P a g e 2 N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r

Fuel Poverty Projects and Advice

N or t h e r n E xp osu re

Did you know that

insulating your

home can save

you up to £300 per

year?

The Warm Homes scheme is delivered on behalf of

the Department for Social Development by H&A

Mechanical Services and Bryson Charitable Group.

Homeowners or private renters may be eligible for

energy efficiency improvements to their home

under the Warm Homes scheme. If you are in

receipt of one or more of the benefits listed below,

you may be eligible to have:

Cavity wall insulation

Loft insulation

Hot water tank jackets

Energy advice

The Warm Home Scheme is aimed at private sector

housing only, that is, those who are owner occupiers

or who rent their homes from private landlords.

Householders do not have to make any financial

contribution.

The scheme provides a free Benefit Entitlement

Check service to all applicants to ensure that you are

receiving all the benefits that you are entitled to.

P a g e 3

As well as the improvements available under Warm Homes, householders who are in receipt of one of the benefits listed

below may also be eligible for:

Installation of a fully controlled energy-efficient oil or gas central heating system where no system currently exists

Conversion of an existing bottled gas (LPG), solid fuel or Economy 7 heating system to oil or natural gas.

The qualifying benefits for Warm Homes Plus are:

Housing Benefit

Income Support

Income Related Employment & Support Allowance

Income Based Job Seekers Allowance

Pension Credit

Working Tax Credit

N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r

War m Ho m es P lu s

The qualifying benefits for Warm Homes are:

Income Support

Income Related Employment Support Allowance

Income Based Job Seekers Allowance

Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit

(with relevant income less than £15,860))

Working Tax Credit

Disability Living Allowance

Attendance Allowance

Housing Benefit

For more information or to register with the

scheme, please Freephone 0800 988 0559 or visit

www.warm-homes.com.

Fuel Poverty Projects and Advice

War m Ho m es

P a g e 4

With many people struggling through post-Christmas debt across Northern Ireland, Advice NI on receipt of a £2.5 million award from DETI

NI launches a new, integrated debt advice service which will run until 2015. The new “Debt Action NI” service is delivered in partnership

with Payplan, one of the UK’s largest providers of free-to-client debt advice and aims to help the most vulnerable take back control of

their finances. Since operations began in August 2012 the service has helped nearly 3,000 clients deal with £62 million of debt, an aver-

age of £17,775 per person including mortgage debt.

This new innovative service offers a range of access channels to help more people cope with the rising levels of debt. Face to face advice

is offered from over 40 outlets across NI, a text service and freephone telephone service and a virtual adviser service is available online

Monday to Friday. The Debt Action NI website www.debtaction-ni.net also offers an innovative online budgeting tool, a debt help request

form and an assisted self-help option. This self-help or supported debt advice service will ensure that those who are more capable of

approaching their debt are supported with information and resources to negotiate with creditors and tackle their situation on their own.

Fiona Magee Deputy Chief Executive of Advice NI said the most common type of debt for clients was credit card debt followed by

personal loans, catalogue debt and overdrafts. One major problem for people is the fact that they owe money to lots of different

creditors.

“For a growing number of people, crippling debt is becoming a major, life defining issue. The Debt Action NI service aims to make getting

on top of debt a much more straight-forward and achievable process. We can help by providing advice and support on managing

repayments, negotiating with creditors and assisting at court.

One key element of the new service is a way to help pay off multiple creditors through a ‘single disbursement payment system.’ This

system allows those who can only afford a small/token offer payment to make a single payment, with Advice NI then negotiating with

creditors to agree a monthly repayment. We know that this will be a major help to many people across Northern Ireland.”

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster officially launched the service. She said: “The addition of web-based delivery of debt advice is a wel-

come innovation, bringing the service to a larger client base and using technology to make optimum use of limited resources. The tele-

phone and web-based services will never be the only routes to advice, but they are a growing part of the debt remedy jigsaw. This new

service will ensure each client is able to receive support through the delivery channel that is most closely aligned to their needs.”

N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r

Advice NI Launch New Debt Advice Service Across Northern Ireland

Fiona Magee said “the timing of the launch, when many people will be receiving their

post-Christmas credit card bills highlights the need for the service.

One client who used the service had two credit cards and over five year his debt

spiralled from £7,000 to £15,000 and the interest went from 13% to 40%. He was

made redundant and due to the pressure he was under this client had a mental

breakdown. The Debt Action NI adviser negotiated a debt management plan for the

client.

The client said, “The debt amongst other things nearly destroyed my life. The help

Debt Action NI gave me turned my life around. The adviser dealt with my case with

sympathy and urgency.”

Anyone struggling with debt should get in touch with the Debt Action NI service via

Freephone: 0800 917 4607(Monday – Friday 8am to 9pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm)

Text: Action to 81025

Email: debt@adviceni.net

Web: www.debtaction-ni.net From left to right: Minister Arlene Foster, Sarah Reeve

(Payplan) and Fiona Magee (Advice NI)

N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r P a g e 5

Bryson Energy Urban Maximising Access Project

Bryson Energy in Partnership with the Public Health Agency are piloting a new service for older, isolated householders in the South Belfast area.

This pilot aims to target support directly to householders to help them maximise access to benefits, grants and services during a scheduled home visit.

We can arrange for a trained advisor from Bryson to schedule an appointment and provide help with:

Benefit Entitlement Check

Referral to Energy Efficiency Grants

Information and access to a range of local services

Referral to a Home Safety Check

“A pilot of this project was undertaken in 2010 in rural areas and in some cases, householders increased their income by over £60 a week, while others received

energy efficiency grants and access to a wide range of services they were entitled to.”

Do you work with any isolated or vulnerable older householders who could benefit from this project?

For more information or to make an onward referral please contact:

Louise Magee

Email: lmagee@brysonenergy.org

Call: 028 9073 4271

email: lma-

NEA is a leading provider of energy efficiency and fuel poverty training. The information in this

feature outlines information about our Energy Awareness course which, in partnership with City

and Guilds leads to a recognised qualification.

NEA / City and Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness 6281-01 Training and Qualification

This three-day training course is designed for people who wish to gain or further their knowledge of domestic energy

efficiency and in particular is aimed at those who are in a position to provide energy advice. Course participants come from

a range of organisations including local councils, voluntary organisations, energy companies and providers, and housing as-

sociations.

The course content includes:

identify a range of heating and hot water systems and appliances found in homes

identify the type and function of controls on heating and hot water systems

advise clients on the efficient and safe use of heating and hot water systems and appliances

interpret domestic fuel cost data using reference materials

advise clients on how to record gas and electricity consumption and work out costs

inform clients of ways of paying for gas and electricity

identify the potential to improve the energy efficiency in a range of dwellings

state the grant aid available for domestic energy efficiency measures

advise clients on how to avoid condensation and how to take remedial action where condensation dampness exists.

It is relevant to the training needs of:

Staff from consumer advice and other organisations, particularly those dealing with enquiries about energy efficiency.

Fuel utility staff who need to advise customers on the efficient use of fuel and appliances

Staff of insulation companies who need to provide energy advice that complements practical insulation measures

Housing providers, particularly those who are required to provide information on energy efficiency to households

Care workers who wish to provide energy advice to families with young children, elderly or disabled people

Participants must have basic literacy and numeracy skills, be able to use a calculator and be able to extract and interpret

data from given tables.

The one day examination following the three days training leads to a Level 3 City and Guilds 6281-01 qualification,

recognised as a requirement for people who give domestic energy advice to householders.

For expressions of interest to undertake the above course, please contact Paul.Wallace@nea.org.uk or

Angela.Gracey@nea.org.uk.

If you would like any further information on any of our other training courses please visit our website:

www.nea.org.uk/training

Training and Development N EA C i ty & G u i ld s 62 8 1 - 0 1

P a g e 6 N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r

House Condition Survey: A Measurement Tool

The key objectives for the 2011 Northern Ireland House Condition Survey are1:

Provide a comprehensive picture of the dwelling stock and its condition in 2011 for Northern Ireland and

each of the 26 District Councils

Facilitate a comparative analysis of housing conditions in Northern Ireland with other parts of the UK

Examine the association between dwelling conditions and the social and economic circumstances of

households

Examine changes in the condition of the stock over time in terms of key government measures: Decent

Homes and the Housing Health and Safety Rating Standard

Provide a reliable assessment of the energy efficiency of the stock and the level of Fuel Poverty in Northern

Ireland on a comparable basis with the rest of the UK

The above objectives have remained broadly consistent with those in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2009.

Summary of Results 2011

Total level of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland is 42.0%

Private Rented housing sector is the housing tenure with the highest level of fuel poverty at 49.1%

Total rural fuel poverty is higher than the Northern Ireland average at 44%

Urban towns outside the Belfast City show a higher rate of fuel poverty that the Belfast Metropolitan area

The most at risk age grouping are those over 75 years

Household income below £10,000 correlates with the highest occurrence of fuel poverty

Those retired are more likely than those not working to be in fuel poverty

1Northern Ireland Housing Executive, House Condition Survey 2011

http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/corporate/housing_research/house_condition_survey.htm

Policy Update

NI HE Ho u s e C on d i t ion Su r vey 2 0 1 1

N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r P a g e 7

Table 1.1 Comparisons with the UK Fuel Poverty Rates

The comparison table above shows the level of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland to be at least double that of

England and significantly higher than Scotland and Wales. However, it must be noted that these statistics do

not always relate to the same year.

Table 1.2 Dwelling Tenure – Fuel Poverty 2011

Source: NIHE 2009/2011

Private Rented housing sector is the housing tenure with the highest level of fuel poverty.

Tenure Fuel Poverty (No.)

2011

Fuel Poverty %

2011

Fuel Poverty (No.)

2009

Fuel Poverty %

2009

Owner Occupied 190030 40.6 178040 38.9

Private Rented and

Others 60320 49.1 67770 54.9

Social Housing 43890 39.7 56500 51.4

Total 294240 42.0 302310 43.7

Policy Update

NI HE Ho u s e C on d i t ion Su r vey 2 0 1 1 ( S tat i s t i ca l Ev id en c e)

Region England Scotland Wales Northern

Ireland UK

Year of survey 2010 2010 2008 2011 2010

% of homes

estimated to be in

fuel poverty

16.45 27.9 26.2 42.0 18.6

P a g e 8 N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r

In June, the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety announced that a Review of the Provision of

Health and Social Care (HSC) Services in Northern Ireland would be undertaken. The Review was to provide a

strategic assessment across all aspects of health and social care services, examining the present quality and

accessibility of services, and the extent to which the needs of patients, clients, carers and communities are being

met. Crucially it was to bring forward recommendations for the future shape of services and provide an

implementation plan. The Review was complete by 30th November 2011.

Reasons for Change:

To be better at preventing ill health

To provide patient-centred care

To manage increasing demand across all programmes of care

To tackle health inequalities

To deliver a high-quality, evidence-based service

To support our workforce I delivering the necessary change

The Review identified twelve major principles for change, which should underpin the shape of the future model

proposed for health and social care:

Placing the individual at the centre of any model by promoting a better outcome for the service user, carer

and their family

Using outcomes and quality evidence to shape services

Providing the right care in the right place at the right time

Population-based planning of services

A focus on prevention and tackling inequalities

Integrated care- working together

Promoting independence and personalisation of care

Safeguarding the most vulnerable

Ensuring sustainability of service provision

Realising value for money

Maximising the use of technology

Incentivising innovation at a local level

Policy Update

Tran s for min g Yo u r C a re : A Rev i ew of H ea l th an d S oc ia l C are in N or t h e r n I re l an d

N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r P a g e 9

Advances in treatment and care have meant that chronic conditions can be managed differently with the aim of securing a better

quality of life for longer. Unfortunately, those who are disadvantaged in our society do not have an equal chance of experiencing

good health and wellbeing and too many still die prematurely or live with conditions that they need not have.

This framework proposes for consideration some priority areas for more focused collaboration.

The consultation proposed an updated strategic direction for public health for the next ten years, bringing together actions at

government level to improve health and reduce health inequalities, and which will guide implementation at regional and local

level.

The strategic document stated its intention too:

Build on and promote the values, principles and successes of Investing for Health

Take account of emerging social, economic and policy developments as well as new bodies of evidence

available

Provide vision and updated strategic direction

Facilitate whole-government synergy to address the range of key socio-economic factors which influence health and wellbeing

Provide direction for delivery and implementation at the regional and local levels through partnership working

It is proposed that these aims continue to be relevant and that these will remain the aims of this 10 year Public Health

Strategic Framework.

Building on these aims, it is proposed that the framework will move NI towards the following vision, “where all people are enabled

and supported in achieving their full health potential and well-being”. This vision is around creating the conditions for individuals

and communities to take control of their own lives and requires social action. Key to achieving a reduction in the significant

inequalities in health in Northern Ireland will be to place public health and wellbeing at the heart of decision making about policies

and services at regional and local level. This is also reflective of the new European health policy, Health 2020, which is currently

being developed in partnership with Member States, civil society, academic institutions and networks and professional associa-

tions.

For NEA’s responses to these consultations please visit::

http://www.nea.org.uk/nea-northern-ireland/policy/Consultation+Responses.htm

Policy Update

F i t an d wel l : C h a n g i n g L i ves 2 01 2 - 2 2 — A Ten Ye ar S t rateg i c H e a l t h Fram ewo r k for No r th er n I re lan d

P a g e 1 0 N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r

Energy Action European Fuel Poverty Conference 2013 is being held in Dublin between the

11/03/2013 to 12/03/2013. For more information please visit: http://www.energyaction.ie/

Northern Exposure Research into mental health and wellbeing – ‘Alleviating Fuel Poverty in

North & West Belfast’. The launch of this research is taking place on the 20th March 2013 in the

University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus. For more information or if you would like to reserve

a place please contact Angela.Gracey@nea.org.uk.

NEA NI’s Affordable Warmth Project has now come to an end. The finale event is taking place on

29th April 2013 in the Long Gallery Suite, Stormont. For more information please contact

Meadhbh.McCann@nea.org.uk.

Public Consultation: Heating Policy Review. The Housing Executive is carrying out a consultation

on a review of its heating policy in its properties. Responses to the consultation can be made in

writing or email by the 1st April 2013. For more information please visit:

http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/corporate/consultation.htm

Public Consultation: The Utility Regulator has published a consultation on a new Marketing

Code of Practice for electricity and gas suppliers in Northern Ireland. The Utility Regulator is

consulting on the proposed content of a new mandatory Marketing Code. Responses to be

submitted by 17 May 2013. For more information please visit:

http://www.uregni.gov.uk/news/view/consultation_on_new_marketing_code_of_practice/

Public Consultation: Discretionary Housing Payments. The Department for work & pensions is

seeking views on the Discretionary Housing Payments guidance manual that DWP provides to

local authorities. The current guidance has been updated following changes in welfare benefits

such as the introduction of Universal Credit and abolition of Council Tax Benefit from April 2013.

Consultation responses must be submitted before 31st August 2013. For more information

please visit: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2012/discretionary-housing-payments.shtml

N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r P a g e 1 1

What's to come...

Key Contacts

Warm Homes: 0800 988 0559 Advice NI: 028 9064 5919

Power NI: 0800 0321 894 Age NI: 0808 808 7575

Bryson Energy: 0800 1422 865 Engage with Age: 028 9064 9649

Carillion Energy Services: 028 9046 9000 WIG: 028 9038 2022

Consumer Council: 028 9067 2488 (Women’s Information Group)

Winter Fuel Payments: 0845 915 1515

NEA Northern Ireland Telephone: 028 9023 9909

64-66 Upper Church Lane Fax: 028 9043 9191

Belfast Email: Northern.Ireland@nea.org.uk

BT1 4QL

Pat Austin Director

Paul Wallace Training & Development Manager

Angela Gracey Project Coordinator

Meadhbh McCann Policy & Campaigns Officer

David Crothers Trustee NEA Northern Ireland

Mimi McAlinden Advisor

Douglas McIldoon Advisor

Contact NEA Northern Ireland

N E A N I N e w s l e t t e r P a g e 1 2