Fitness

The impact on child health as a result of fuel poverty was the subject of a recent seminar held in Belfast. Housing Rights is well used to dealing with enquiries about problems with heating systems, lack of sufficient heating and financial issues relating to the cost of heating a home. In many cases this can have a knock-on effect on the condition of the home such as dampness and condensation. But, an impact that is often hidden is the effect a cold home can have on children.

The Affordable Warmth Scheme, a 3 year scheme launched in 2014, is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of private sector homes in Northern Ireland. Certain private tenants or homeowners with an income of less than £20,000 may be entitled to grant assistance to help with the cost of some heating and insulation measures.