Presiding Officer, as we approach the festive season, it is perhaps appropriate that we have a debate on an issue that, for those affected, could be fairly described as a pantomime, albeit one with a dark and sinister plot. The cavity wall insulation pantomime has few heroes, but many villains.

First, there are the energy companies. Interested only in meeting UK Government targets, they have little regard for the quality of work carried out or, by extension, whether the intended environmental benefits are being realised. Then there are the rogue installation companies, who target the poorest with aggressive cold-calling techniques, using poorly trained staff who are paid on a commission only basis. Next, we have the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency, the so-called ‘independent’ complaints body set up by the industry and populated by the industry and, one might say, for the industry. And, finally, the UK Government who, by setting energy companies targets for fitting cavity wall insulation without first putting a robust oversight framework in place, has encouraged a laissez-faire culture that is characterised by a lack of accountability.