The Society of St Vincent de Paul calls for the Northern Ireland Assembly to set up a Minister Emergency Action Team to deal with the many problems to be faced by low and not so low income families, due to the increased costs of essentials this winter.   The Society believes that the Northern Ireland Assembly can reflect the generous nature of the Northern Ireland population to people in need by supportive deeds and actions this winter.   The taxpayer is supporting those that have at this critical time. Those in poverty, who also pay taxes, face critical times and are equally deserving of support.   Fuel Poverty Food Poverty Clothing Poverty

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In blunt terms, the Society belief is that every aspect of daily living this winter, for many thousands, will be the worst since the Great Depression, which, in turn, will impact on health, education, social well being, as well as law and order.     The Society is also concerned that mortgage lenders, which includes banks, will seek to evict people who cannot keep up with repayments and would seek government support for such individuals and families.   The Society would expect the NI Assembly to identify recurrent revenue under spending by government departments and agencies to form a ready pool of finance to meet the needs of those at risk this winter.   For its part, the Society will offer all help and support within its resources to the government and those in need during the trying times ahead.     click to enlarge   There are immediate actions that government can take:-   Electricity: Guarantee that no family with children, the aged and disabled, will have supply terminated this winter because of their financial problems   Other Fuels: Devise methods of support to help those at risk due to lack of fuel   Housing: Take steps to ensure that people with mortgage problems are assisted to avoid loss of homes by the use of mortgage guarantee and, where not possible, to provide pre-identified quality housing   Health and Social Care: In co-operation with district councils and local communities, organise social centres for the elderly and disabled with the provision of meals on at least four days a week (hotels, church halls, community centres, etc.) Identify the aged and disabled housebound at risk to ensure their well being.     For its part, the Society of St Vincent de Paul is putting out an alert to all members and conferences in Northern Ireland, warning that demands are anticipated to overwhelm resources available to the Society this winter, but that mutual support will be provided through a central sharing fund whilst funds last.   On Tuesday 14th October 2008, SVP regional board member Pat McHugh spoke to reporters from UTV Live at our regional clothing and furniture boutique in Belfast, where he delivered further commentary on the effects of the credit crunch and how it is affecting people on the margins of the community. Click image to watch article   11mb - MPG