Fuel poverty target dates pledge
Updated on 09 November 2009
Target dates for wiping out fuel poverty will be kept despite a big increase in people struggling to heat their homes, the Assembly Government said.
A goal to eradicate fuel poverty in so-called "vulnerable households" by 2010 will remain in place, a strategy on tackling the problem says.
But the document shows the number of homes in fuel poverty - where more than 10% of income goes on heating - rose sharply in two years.
After falling steadily for almost a decade, households in fuel poverty rose from an estimated 134,000 in 2004 to 240,000 in 2006, corresponding with steep increases in energy prices.
The strategy, out for consultation, says the 2010 target will remain, as will targets to wipe out fuel poverty in social housing by 2012 and from all homes by 2018.
Vulnerable households are those with someone aged over 60, with children under 16 or with a long-term sick or disabled family member - 85% (115,000) of those in fuel poverty in 2004.
The strategy acknowledges that reaching the 2010 target will be difficult. It says fuel price rises "are largely outside the control of the Assembly Government and they make delivery of the 2010 target very challenging. However, we remain determined to do everything reasonably practicable to alleviate fuel poverty in Wales".
There is a proposal for a "central hub" to join up services so people can make the most of the advice and funding on offer.
Sources of support will be promoted and coordinated to make things easier for people who need help with their bills. The most vulnerable will be identified first to make sure they are helped as early as possible.
Means-tested grants are available to insulate homes and install better heating equipment. Over the next three years an estimated £350 million will be available to make homes more energy efficient. Low-cost loans could also be available from credit unions.
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