WPG NI welcomes Draft Fuel Poverty Strategy but calls for a gendered analysis
The Women’s Policy Group (WPG) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the draft Fuel Poverty Strategy. It is clear that considerable time and expertise has gone into the development of this strategy and it conveys an over all message of aspiration and action. The WPG would like to make three general points:
The draft Fuel Poverty Strategy requires targets and timelines.
As noted above, the draft of the Fuel Poverty Strategy displays considerable scope and ambition in its plan for addressing fuel poverty. There is much to be welcomed. However, there is a distinct lack of clear targets and timelines, making it difficult to hold government to account or track progress. NI is the only place in the UK without targets to reduce Fuel Poverty. To strengthen this strategy, clear targets and timelines are required, which align with the Climate Change Act and the Energy Strategy.
Gendered analysis of Fuel Poverty required.
As outlined in the previous responses by the WPG, a gendered analysis of fuel poverty is required to strengthen this strategy. As outlined in the response by the Women’s Regional Consortium, there are diverse and intersecting reasons why women are particularly impacted by fuel poverty. These include the fact that women are more likely to receive benefits, women are in more precarious employment and women are more likely to be caring for children or elderly relatives. This disproportionate impact should be considered and addressed as part of the Fuel Poverty Strategy.
An overarching Anti-Poverty Strategy is required
Northern Ireland is without an Anti-Poverty Strategy, despite commitments to produce one. The WPG would like to stress the point that poverty must be addressed on a sustained, cross-departmental basis. While we welcome this draft strategy, we note our resistance to a siloed approach to addressing deprivation and argue that the Fuel Poverty Strategy should be part of a comprehensive, well-resourced, Anti-Poverty Strategy.
The WPG welcomes the Fuel Poverty Strategy. We are heartened by the clear sense of ambition contained within the document. However, as women are disproportionately impacted by fuel poverty, the WPG would like to see a clear gender analysis at the heart of this strategy. It is also vital that clear targets and timelines are attached to the ambitious actions proposed.
This is an excerpt from the full consultation response which you can read here.