Economy minister accuses SoS of 'mischief making' in social media exchange
Summary
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald disagreed with UK Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant about who is funding a one-time £63 electricity bill reduction for households in Northern Ireland. The UK government provides the money, but Archibald emphasized that the scheme was negotiated and designed locally and expressed surprise at Bryant's comments on social media.Key Facts
- Northern Ireland households will receive a one-off £63 discount on electricity bills starting next month.
- The discount will be applied automatically, no need to apply.
- The scheme is funded by the UK government through a commitment to remove VAT and some levies from electricity bills.
- Economist Minister Archibald and her department negotiated and designed the scheme for Northern Ireland.
- Pay-as-you-go electricity customers will get the £63 credit when they top up, with a limit on top-up amounts to receive the full discount at once.
- There was a social media exchange where Sir Chris Bryant said the UK government funds the discount.
- Dr Archibald questioned Bryant’s motives and described his comment as somewhat condescending.
- The aim of the scheme is to help families cope with rising energy costs this winter.
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