Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council is putting plans in place to help borough residents see out the winter as the cost of living crisis deepens.
Councils across Northern Ireland are actively looking at ways to mitigate against some of the questions and decisions residents will face with energy costs skyrocketing and temperatures plummeting.
So much so, at a recent meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh Council, the Chief Executive told members that “all of the indications are that the financial settlements required associated with the cost-of-living crisis will be far in excess of what was needed for Covid-19.”
In response to a question posed by Armagh I, a spokesperson for ABC Council said that it is “currently putting plans in place for Community Assistance Schemes to be implemented throughout the autumn and winter period”.
They added: “These schemes are being specifically developed to assist with the cost-of-living crisis. Information on these schemes will be made available to residents when finalised.”
In Fermanagh and Omagh, Councillor Sheamus Greene said: “Other councils are looking into the possibility of community halls opening up as a warm place for people if they cannot heat their homes.
“The social supermarket model, community support grants and numerous other matters need to be discussed.
“Whatever little we can do, it could save somebody’s life. I am really fearful of what’s going to happen this winter.”
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