Written question WQ85907
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Social Justice
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
Will the Minister outline what targeted support has been provided by Welsh Government to assist those in rural areas living off the gas grid network during the cost of living crisis?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Social Justice
After the success of our 2021-22 Winter Fuel Support Scheme which supported 166,000 households with the costs of fuel last winter, the Welsh Government has provided funding to support a further Fuel Support Scheme during autumn and winter 2022-23. For the most recent scheme, we have increased the eligibility criteria so that more households will receive the £200 payment which offers such crucial support. This includes support for off-grid homes if they meet the eligibility criteria.
On 10 June, I announced nearly £4 million of funding which will enable the Fuel Bank Foundation to introduce a national fuel voucher and Heat Fund scheme in Wales. The scheme will commence in the Autumn and will provide direct financial support to eligible households on prepayment meters and those not connected to the mains gas network who are struggling to prepay for their fuel.
The Discretionary Assistance Fund also provides support to individuals who are unable to afford their next delivery of oil or LPG due to extreme financial hardship. We have extended this support throughout the summer and winter to the end of March 2023.