WAG must clarify funding to back action on fuel poverty - Mick Bates AM (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

WAG must clarify funding to back action on fuel poverty - Mick Bates AM

November 9, 2009 12:00 AM

Shadow Minister for the Environment and Sustainability, Mick Bates AM, welcomes the launch of the Welsh Government consultation on a new fuel poverty strategy but states funding for the scheme must be clarified to back the proposals and WAG needs more accurate data to fully grasp the scale and urgency of tackling fuel poverty.

The main proposals in the Welsh Government consultation on Fuel Poverty include:

The creation of a new central hub to coordinate all the help available for householders struggling to pay their energy bills.

Funding will be targeted at those most at risk from fuel poverty.

Early identification of those most vulnerable to fuel poverty so help can be provided as soon as possible.

The development of a new, improved programme to help householders reduce the impact of their fuel bills which will replace the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES).

Low cost loans for energy efficiency from credit unions.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates states:

"The launch of this consultation on the fuel poverty strategy is welcome news, particularly given the current recession which has left so many struggling to pay their bills. It is likely that fuel prices will continue to rise which will see more and more people in Wales plunged into fuel poverty, so it is crucial that we take action to address this.

"I welcome the coordinated approach in the consultation, to provide a one-stop shop for people to access advice, support and funding as well as the provision of low cost loans for energy efficiency. However all proposals will require funding so it is vital that the Welsh Government clarifies the financial support available for this strategy.

"I am pleased to note there will be an improved programme to replace the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, as currently only 29 % of money under HEES goes to households in fuel poverty. Support under HEES must be refocused to be more effective but I am worried that waiting until the end of next year for a new scheme will be too little too late for so many.

"The Welsh Government has a target to eradicate fuel poverty amongst vulnerable households by 2010 but based on their 2006 figures 209,000 vulnerable households are classed as fuel poor. Even this figure is out of date and likely to have dramatically increased given the rise in fuel prices, so obtaining more accurate figures will be key to developing a strategy to fully address the scale and urgency of fuel poverty."