SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
Said the Foyle MLA: “Consumers are now suffering from a series of large price hikes imposed both by energy companies and the British government.
“On top of the announcement of a big increase in National Insurance charges from Boris Johnson, there is a very substantial price hike from Firmus Energy.
“This double whammy will be a particular blow for those in Derry and Strabane on low incomes.
“The National Insurance increases will affect those on low pay much more than employees with higher incomes, while large numbers of low income families are reliant on gas for home heating.
“This is particularly the case as a result of many social housing landlords having recently converted properties to gas central heating.
“The increases in gas prices reflect major difficulties in the global energy market.
“I again call on the Department for the Economy to accelerate planning for greater adoption of a more diverse array of renewable energy sources to release consumers from the grip of a global energy market that is not working for them.”
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