Read CAP’s response to the oil voucher scheme here.
The picture of debt in Northern Ireland
10
different debts were being chased by organisations per average new client in Northern Ireland in 2025
8.1%
of new clients in Northern Ireland had energy arrears in 2025
£14,000
in debt was owed by the average new client in Northern Ireland in 2025, with a repayment term of 6 years
CAP’s Northern Ireland Area Partnership Manager, Mags Rankin, says:
“With over 60% of households across Northern Ireland dependent on oil for their heating, many are navigating the crushing weight of bills that are simply unaffordable.
“CAP’s church teams are seeing the brutal reality of this: families trapped in cold, dark homes, forced into an impossible daily choice between a hot, healthy meal or falling deeper into debt.
The new oil support scheme is welcome, but is only a patch on a bigger problem – £100 is not going to cover the costs people will face this winter. We are also concerned that the application process could leave vulnerable people without this much-needed support.
“Ultimately, we must reach a point where every household has a livable income, ensuring that the cost of essentials doesn’t drive people into spiralling debt.”
CAP is encouraging people struggling with energy debt to seek free help
Get debt help here
