Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Social Justice – in the Senedd at 1:50 pm on 25 January 2023.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 1:50, 25 January 2023

Diolch yn fawr. That's a really important question in terms of the ways in which we have been seeking as a Welsh Government to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and, indeed, particularly the impact on fuel poverty. As I said in my response to questions and scrutiny in terms of the draft budget, unfortunately, we did not get the funding from the UK Government that would enable us to move forward on many of the important schemes that we've been developing and, indeed, delivering—£1.6 billion this year in terms of tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

I think the important question you ask is about the impact of our winter fuel support scheme. I'm pleased to say that, as of today, there's 72 per cent take-up of the £200. We widened the eligibility in line with many of the requests across this Chamber, following up the successful first phase of that winter fuel support scheme, and, indeed, the committee's engagement in that—the Equality and Social Justice Committee's engagement—as well. And certainly we'll be able to report back on the further outcomes. It's very much dependant on local authorities. We've identified that when authorities can automate and passport the benefits like our winter fuel support scheme, then it reaches the people who need it most. But there is a chance over the next few weeks; please, across this Chamber, urge your constituents to take up that £200 from the winter fuel support scheme.

And also—and this is very crucial as well—there are those on prepayment meters. Again, on Monday, I met with energy suppliers, and it is quite clear—and it was clear in the press over the weekend—that people are not getting the voucher. We know that households have got that £400, but people on prepayment meters haven't all got that £400. I held them to account on Monday: 'Why haven't you got those vouchers out?' It is their responsibility. But I will be, obviously, reporting back and monitoring the impact of our winter fuel support scheme, our partnership with the Fuel Bank Foundation, and also recognising that the way forward that we're taking is to ensure that people take up all the benefits that they're entitled to.