The Manx government has been taken aback by a claim that fuel poverty may cause deaths to vulnerable groups this winter. The claim from Isle of Man Age Concern, a restrained and well respected charitable group, seems to have surprised government Ministers.

The Island's Chief Minister has issued a swift rebuttal to the Age Concern statement saying:

“Such unfounded statements only serve to create unnecessary anxiety to many on low incomes, especially to our older people, when the real situation in the Isle of Man is much different."

“What is equally concerning is that these remarks were made without any acknowledgment of Government's robust commitment to provide substantial additional financial support for all within our community on low incomes."

The governments statement goes on to outline the steps the Manx government has taken to address the needs of those on low incomes.

However, behind the spin there is little evidence to support government contentions that they have a grasp of the problem. No systematic research work has been undertaken to identify those at most risk. For example in Britain and Ireland steps were being taken to qualify the need and develop a strategy before the current fuel crisis emerged. In Mann, with the exception of the establishment of a government low income group, whose operation has not been high profile, limited pro-active initiatives have occurred.

Whether Age Concern are correct and deaths occur may well be the issue of conjecture between the charity and government. What does seem indisputable is that elderly people on fixed pensions and other low income groups will struggle to get by this winter as fuel costs and general price inflation starts to bite.

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

06/08/08

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