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Northern Ireland's Fuel Support Scheme Delayed Until 2026

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Gordon Lyons, Northern Ireland's Communities Minister, announced a fuel-cost support scheme will not be available until summer 2026.
The initiative allocates £19.2 million, with £17.2 million from the UK Government, to households on income-based benefits or with incomes under £30,000.
It will provide £100 prepaid cards to 300,000 low-income families.
Lyons acknowledged the scheme's limitations and urged the UK Government to cut fuel duty for immediate relief.

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Story summary

Gordon Lyons, Northern Ireland's Communities Minister, announced a fuel-cost support scheme will not be available until summer 2026.
The initiative allocates £19.2 million, with £17.2 million from the UK Government, to households on income-based benefits or with incomes under £30,000.
It will provide £100 prepaid cards to 300,000 low-income families.
Lyons acknowledged the scheme's limitations and urged the UK Government to cut fuel duty for immediate relief.