Written question WQ83267

The Welsh Government’s plan to tackle fuel poverty 2021-2035 was published in March, which and sets out how the Welsh Government will tackle fuel poverty in Wales.

The plan includes a commitment to continued investment in our Warm Homes Programme. This programme benefits lower income households by providing home energy efficiency measures, reducing household energy bills by an average of £280 annually. More than 14,300 households across North Wales have benefitted from our Warm Homes Programme since it launched in 2009/2010. A consultation on the next iteration of the Warm Homes Programme is expected to start in December.

Our home energy efficiency advice services pilot is continuing to support households in Gwynedd. Working with third sector partners Y Dref Werdd, Grwp Cynefin and Ynys Mon Citizens Advice, support is being provided to help householders improve their home energy efficiency and reduce their fuel bills. The findings from this pilot will inform how we deliver domestic energy advice and support services in the future.

Taking a broader view of poverty, it is important that people are helped to maximise their household income by claiming all the financial support to which they are entitled. We are improving take-up of devolved and non-devolved benefits. Throughout March 2021, we delivered the first national benefits take up campaign in Wales. This resulted in an additional £651,504 being claimed by people entitled to benefits. Building upon the success of this campaign, we will deliver another national campaign this autumn.