MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: Today, official figures are
published which show 340,000 households in Wales (25%) were
living in fuel poverty in October 2024. A further 215,000
households (16%) are estimated to have been at risk of fuel
poverty.
These figures reflect the ongoing challenge many households
across Wales continue to face as a result of the global energy
price surge caused by the reopening of economies after Covid-19
and significantly exacerbated by Russia's war against
Ukraine.
Soaring energy costs, combined with the growing price of
essential goods and services, have placed enormous pressure on
households across the country. Although energy prices have
reduced from their peak, they remain significantly higher than
before the global price surge and the rise in incomes has not
kept pace. Most of us will have been affected, however, there has
been a disproportionate impact on people already struggling to
make ends meet.
While these global factors are outside our control, the Welsh
Government is determined to support households in need. We have
budgeted £35 million this financial year to the Warm Homes Nest scheme, our
programme to assist people on low incomes living in cold, damp
homes with free energy efficiency measures and affordable, low
carbon heating solutions. This includes a crisis route which
provides emergency support to households without heating or hot
water. Nest also includes a free and impartial advice service to
support households to access the most appropriate scheme for
their individual circumstances, including Nest, the Energy
Company Obligation scheme, the Great British Insulation Scheme as
well as any schemes run by Local Authorities.
Our Discretionary Assistance Fund provides cash support and other
help for those in financial crisis. In addition, we have
funded the Fuel Bank Foundation to provide support for households
in Wales that pre-pay for their fuel and are at risk of
disconnection. This includes vouchers for those with pre-payment
meters and help with the cost of fuel for off-grid households.
Our Claim What's Yours
benefits take up campaign also provides help for people to access
the financial support they are entitled to.
Decisions by the UK Government to expand the Warm Homes Discount
and restore the Winter Fuel Payment to pensioners earning up to
£35,000 means vital support will be available to vulnerable
households in Wales this winter. Energy suppliers also have a key
role to play in supporting their customers with fair and
affordable payment plans and easy to access emergency support
where required.
These statistics are a stark reminder that times are tough for
many of us in Wales, but we have made sure support is available.
I urge anyone on a low income who is struggling to keep their
home at a comfortable temperature to get in touch with Nest now,
so we can help before the cold autumn nights set in. I want to
make sure everyone across Wales is receiving the financial help
they are entitled to and contacting Advice Link Cymru's Claim
What's Yours helpline will ensure this. Finally, I urge anyone
struggling to pay their energy bills to contact their supplier
because they can work with customers to improve their situation.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members
informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or
to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be
happy to do so.
