Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps she has taken to reduce fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty is a devolved matter.

In England, the Government is fully committed to tackling fuel poverty, including meeting a new 2030 target now enshrined in law. Official statistics show that fuel poverty has fallen in England every year since 2010, demonstrating that the Government’s policies are working. Flagship policies such as the Energy Company Obligation and Warm Home Discount (both of which operate across Great Britain) help millions of low income and vulnerable households each year with heating and insulation measures as well as direct reductions in their energy bills.

The Northern Ireland Executive decides its own fuel poverty objectives and policies. For example, the Department for Social Development offers energy efficiency improvement schemes for low income households through the Warm Homes Scheme, Boiler Replacement Scheme and the Affordable Warmth Scheme.