The Strangford MLA was speaking ahead of an Alliance Assembly motion tomorrow (7 October), calling on the Minister for Communities to reduce household energy costs by bringing forward proposals for the redesign of social homes that incorporate higher energy efficiency standards and renewable energy integration.

Ms Armstrong said: “As we enter the colder months and some of us are switching our heating on, we must also remember that there are many people and families living in fuel poverty who are fearful of this time of year because they have to ration heating to make ends meet. ‘Heat or Eat’ is an issue for many and must be addressed by the Minister responsible for housing.

“That’s why tomorrow Alliance is bringing a motion to the Assembly calling on the Communities Minister to bring forward proposals that will embed higher energy efficiency standards and renewable energy integration into the very fabric of our social housing. We can’t afford to continue building homes at a standard that is over 10 years out of date.

“Upfront investment will pay for itself many times over. By raising the standards of our housing, we can slash energy bills for families who need it most, cut carbon emissions, create thousands of skilled jobs, and produce homes that are warm, dry, and dignified, not just for today, but for generations to come.

“Let this be a promise to our people, to our planet, and to the future. We have the technology, we have the expertise, and what we need now is the courage to lead. 

“We need to be clear about the cost of inaction. Unless real leadership is shown, we will continue to fail to deliver sustainable housing across Northern Ireland. The Minister needs to stop dithering and drive forward change because every delay means more families trapped in fuel poverty.”