The Northern Ireland Executive approved a £36.4 million package to help households with home heating oil costs. The funding splits as £17.2 million from the UK Government and £19.2 million from the Executive. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced the decision from a Thursday meeting.

Eligible low-income households qualify for £100 prepaid cards redeemable at heating oil suppliers. Officials expect more than 300,000 households to benefit. Around 500,000 homes use oil as their main heating source.

Qualifying groups include households on Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, or disability benefits. Pensioner households with income under £30,000 and other households with income under £30,000 without income-related benefits also qualify.

Lyons stated two thirds of homes depend on oil heating. He noted recent price increases of nearly 100% over weeks have affected residents. In Derry, 500 litres of heating oil costs around £600.

The minister said officials aim to launch the scheme quickly and will release application details soon. Distribution will occur via online applications for prepaid cards.

Lyons confirmed payments start in summer at the earliest. He said setup requires at least three months for website development, card procurement, and eligibility checks. Secondary legislation will define scheme details.

The minister acknowledged limited options available to the Executive. He called for UK Government action on fuel duty, tax, and VAT for faster relief to households and businesses.