Research and insight

Lending, Savings and Debt Research:
Northern Ireland Consumers
March 2021

Special Assistance at Belfast International Airport

Summary report following a site visit in March. The intended outcome of this visit is for the Forum to continue to work with the airport in looking specifically at the special assistance to help gain a better understanding of the issues faced by passengers using this service.

May 2022

Special Assistance at George Best Belfast City Airport 

Summary report following a site visit in April. The intended outcome of this visit is for the Forum to continue to work with the airport in looking specifically at the special assistance to help gain a better understanding of the issues faced by passengers using this service

May 2022

This is an overview note on the number of GB retailers who have ceased to deliver to Northern Ireland citing EU Exit as the reason. This data was collected in May 2022.

The results of our February 2022 Pulse Survey on proposed airline compensation changes. 

This research was produced by Bryson Energy on behalf of the Consumer Council which set out the overarching aim of undertaking a scoping exercise regarding the need for, and means to establish, a Northern Ireland fuel bank. Fuel banks already operate in Scotland, Wales and England, providing vouchers to customers with a prepayment meter who have been referred by a third party because they are at crisis point. Each voucher provides around two-weeks of support with gas or electricity so that customers need not choose between eating, heating or lighting their home.

Special Assistance at City of Derry Airport  

Summary report following a site visit in November. The intended outcome of this visit is for the Forum to continue to work with the airport in looking specifically at the special assistance to help gain a better understanding of the issues faced by passengers using this service

December 2021

In 2014 the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued guidance requiring airports to consult with passengers with a disability or reduced mobility. This report details the findings of a meeting on 3 November 2021 of the City of Derry Airport’s Accessibility Forum which involved a tour of the airport building. The Forum is made up of a range of organisations which represent consumers with a disability or reduced mobility.

In 2021 YouGov conducted a survey to provide us with an insight into consumer issues across Northern Ireland. This report covers the key findings on consumers household expenditure, if they shop around for essential goods and services and switch and save. In addition, it also highlights if they have been targeted by scams and how well they know their consumer rights.