Speaking after the latest Strategic, Policy and Resource committee, Ross said waiving building control fees for loft insulation on individual applications across Belfast was a small move that would have a large impact on the current crisis.

He added: “I’m delighted Belfast City Council has been able to take this step, allowing greater affordability for those looking to install loft insulation.

“In the middle of a cost of living crisis everything counts, yet with rising energy costs we also need to make sure local people are able to take all precautions necessary to insulate their homes and make them as energy efficient as possible. Ensuring their insulation is installed correctly and won’t cause other issues is essential so making an application to our building control team is vital.

“This is one of the measures that the Council has within its power to decide and I’m glad the committee today was able to see the benefit of this move and we achieved unanimous support for something Alliance has been working on for a number of months. I will continue to monitor this and see what other initiatives we can put in place to help support people in this time of need.”