Wales seeks to further reduce fuel poverty by 2035

Plans to further tackle fuel poverty in Wales by 2035 and support people struggling to meet the cost of their domestic energy needs have been published for consultation.

Collectively, the Welsh Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Scheme and Warm Homes Programme have provided free advice and home energy efficiency improvements to thousands of homes across Wales.

Since 2008, estimated levels of fuel poverty have more than halved, lifting around 177,000 households out of fuel poverty.

The consultation, which is open until 31 December, sets out new plans for reducing fuel poverty further by 2035.

The plan is expected to be published no later than the end of February 2021, and includes 10 immediate actions which will have the biggest impact between now and 2023. One of the key proposals will see the continuation of investment to deliver home energy efficiency improvements through the Warm Homes Programme.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: “Whilst the estimated level of people in fuel poverty has halved since 2008, we cannot ignore the fact 155,000 homes continue to struggle to afford a safe and comfortable home environment.

“The global Covid19 pandemic means our homes have assumed a more prominent role in our daily lives, increasing the energy we use. This is set to continue, with the prospect of higher bills as we enter autumn and winter. However, the Welsh Government cannot tackle this challenge on its own. The UK Government holds many of the key powers to effect change and we will continue to use our influence to shape their actions and policies

“Our new plan will make a key contribution to our efforts to tackle poverty in all its forms, especially for children, young people, older people and disabled people. Continuing to invest in our support to people living on lower incomes to improve the energy efficiency of their homes will help with our efforts to decarbonise Welsh housing as part of our efforts to respond to the challenges resulting from climate change. I urge everyone interested in helping us further tackle fuel poverty to get involved in the consultation and share your views with us.”