Stamp scheme launched to help with oil costs
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
FORMER Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Nigel Hamilton has given his support to a council-led initiative to introduce an oil stamp scheme to assist residents in the borough in coping with rising oil prices.
“The scheme will be launched during energy saving week at the end of October. Its aim is to enable householders to effectively save and budget for heating costs.
“The initiative is intended to help alleviate fuel poverty and help the vulnerable people in our borough, the elderly, families and those reliant on benefits, to heat their homes in the midst of ever rising fuel costs".
Customers will be able to purchase £5 stamps from local retailers in the borough, collect on a stamp card and use as payment to an oil supplier which has signed up to the scheme.
“I fully support the scheme and I am satisfied with the majority of proposals. However there are still a number of factors which the council have not given clarification on. They have not given a clear indication of the number of companies that will be involved in the scheme. It is important that a significant number of oil suppliers are on board for the scheme to be measured as successful.
“Another concern is the payment of the fuel companies. Many companies are under pressure themselves and are tightening up. The report for the oil stamp scheme was drawn up six months ago and the economic situation has changed significantly since then. My concern would be the time lapse between the supplier's acceptance of the stamps from the customer and when they claim the money back from the council. Many companies are themselves under significant pressure and are tightening up. A delay in payment for the companies may put many off joining the scheme.
“I would also be concerned about how the council proposes to market the initiative. Those most vulnerable in our society must be targeted and made aware of the scheme so that the elderly and low income families can have access to benefit from the scheme."
