Fuel Poverty

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Social Justice – in the Senedd at 2:14 pm on 1 March 2023.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 2:14, 1 March 2023

(Translated)

Thank you, Minister. Evidently, you've already referred in your response to Peredur Owen Griffiths to this issue, and you've outlined in your answer to me a number of things that are being done. But the truth is, of course, that this does not go far enough, and that there are individuals and families in my region, and throughout Wales, who cannot afford to heat their homes. As research from Citizens Advice has shown, 32 per cent of people who use prepayment meters have chosen to be disconnected, with 29 per cent using a blanket or personal heater instead of heating their homes. Others continue to go into debt, and face severe financial hardship just in order to heat their homes. So, with prices increasing again in April, what practical support will be available from the Welsh Government to residents in South Wales Central, and what discussions is the Welsh Government having with the UK Government regarding this issue? You referred earlier to the meetings with Ofgem, but what were the outcomes of those discussions?