Written question WQ86410

There is a great deal of variability in the energy efficiency of dwellings across local authorities, largely related to the type and age of the stock. The Energy Performance of Building certificates (EPCs), July to September 2022 statistical release by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) states that in the quarter July to September 2022, 4% of existing domestic properties in Wales received an energy efficiency rating of A (the highest) or B, whilst 79% received a rating of C or D. 88% of new domestic properties received an energy efficiency rating of A or B, whilst 11% received a rating of C or D.

The Energy efficiency of housing in England and Wales: 2022 report by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) demonstrates the variability of this performance across Wales. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data up to March 2022 showed, for example, Monmouthshire had the highest percentage of dwellings in band C or higher (49%) whilst Gwynedd and Ceredigion had the lowest percentage (24% and 26% respectively).

Free impartial advice to improve energy efficiency is available to all households in Wales via our Warm Homes Programme Nest scheme. Where eligible, households which include those in receipt of a means-tested benefit or living with a qualifying health condition, living in a privately owned or rented property with an EPC rating of E, F or G, may be entitled to a bespoke package of measures.

The level of demand and support provided by the Nest scheme is representative of the findings from the ONS report. For example, the Nest scheme 2020/21 Annual Report showed that spend per household is highest in Ceredigion at just under £6,000 and fourth highest in Gwynedd, just under £5,000.

The Welsh Government has, in response to the cost-of-living crisis, and in part in response to the difference in energy performance of homes, introduced since October 2021 a series of measures to support households most in need of additional assistance.

More than 900,000 households have benefitted from the £150 cost of living payment, and 166,000 households have benefitted from the £200 payment available through the Welsh Government’ Fuel Support Scheme.

We have allocated £90m to run another Welsh Government Fuel Support Scheme in 2022-23 which will support people on low incomes with a non-repayable £200 payment towards their energy bills. The scheme launched on 26 September and has been extended to support more eligible households.

Our Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) provides support to individuals who are unable to afford their next delivery of oil or LPG due to extreme financial hardship. Eligibility for support under the DAF is not means tested and is dependent on individual circumstances.

Support has also been made available through the Welsh Government funded Fuel Bank Foundation Heat Fund. The Heat fund can provide support of up to £500 to eligible households who are not connected to the main gas grid to purchase bulk heating fuel such as oil, LPG, wood or coal.