4. Statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs: Fuel Poverty Plan

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:53 pm on 2 March 2021.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative 3:53, 2 March 2021

Thank you, Minister, for your statement giving us this update this afternoon. Now, you'll be aware of the fuel poverty report published by the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee in April last year, and one of the recommendations of that report is that the new fuel poverty strategy should include provisions aimed at addressing the distinct challenges faced in rural areas. And it goes on to say that this should include a bespoke programme with appropriate levels of funding that take account of the more complex and costly measures required to address rural fuel poverty. You did, of course, accept that recommendation and went on to say that energy inefficient homes are disproportionately found in rural areas and so people living in these areas have an increased likelihood of living in a cold home. Therefore, given your recognition of the issue in rural areas, in response to that specific recommendation, can you tell us what action the Welsh Government has been taking to address the issue of fuel poverty in rural areas like the ones that I represent? And can you also tell us what targeted support is being provided or will now be provided to address this challenge, and what bespoke programme are you now developing as a Government, as recommended by the committee?