Written question WQ98389
- Asked by
- Russell GeorgeIndependent
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm whether all households in Wales who rely on heating oil will receive financial help, not only those on lower incomes?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
We have already acted decisively to ensure those facing financial crisis can access support with heating oil costs. On 18 March, I announced changes to our Discretionary Assistance Fund will temporarily uplift the maximum support per payment to £750 and the frequency the payments can be provided has increased to twice in any 12-month period, a minimum of three months apart. The Fuel Bank Foundation, with our support, is also increasing the minimum delivery support through their National Heat Fund Scheme in Wales.
We welcome the £3.8 million provided by the UK Government to support households in Wales that rely on heating oil for heating and hot water, following the recent spike in prices. The funding will be targeted to those who need it most.
Further details will be available shortly.