2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:42 pm on 15 March 2022.

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Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour 2:42, 15 March 2022

Trefnydd, could I ask for a statement from the finance Minister on what help is out there for people struggling to buy heating oil at the moment? Last week, the average price per litre of heating oil hit £1.55, up from an already high 67p, just a few weeks ago, and that's around four times higher than the price last March, and, even if you can afford it, you'll be lucky if you can get it. You won't get a price, and people have to both commit to a minimum of 500 litres and an upfront payment. And my maths I'm sure is right that at £1.80 times 500—that's an £830 upfront payment. A constituent contacted me this week, yesterday, to say that they have enough oil in their tank for 16 days, and after that they'll have no heating, they'll have no hot water—a family of four people, including two young children. People are extremely worried, and they are living, of course, you will understand, in some of the coldest houses in Wales. I'm able to signpost people to Welsh Government support, like the discretionary assistance fund, but what would be really useful to have, Minister, is an explanation from Welsh Government of all the help and advice and support, and actually going a little bit further, looking at a scheme that will help those people who don't have the opportunity to pay as they go.