The Effect of Inflation

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Social Justice – in the Senedd at 2:08 pm on 4 May 2022.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 2:08, 4 May 2022

Thank you also to the Member for submitting this important question today. Last week, Minister, I attended a Cardiff University webinar, and other Members of the Senedd were there as well, where they shared their evaluation of the policy response to the cost-of-living challenge. They highlighted that one of the disproportionate challenges facing those on lower incomes is of course the inflationary pressures of energy costs, and as we know in Wales we do have an older and less energy-efficient housing stock compared to other parts of the UK. That's backed up by data from the Wales fiscal analysis, which found that 45 per cent of properties in Wales are graded A to C in terms of energy efficiency, compared to 52 per cent of properties elsewhere—having that highest level of energy efficiency. So, in light of this, Minister, what discussions are you having with the Minister for Climate Change to make houses more efficient in Wales, to help with the inflationary pressures of energy costs on those with the lowest incomes?