North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called on the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffith MS, to consider allowing local businesses to deliver its fuel poverty schemes after a Welsh Government fuel poverty programme left residents in Arfon with damaged homes.
Speaking in the Welsh Parliament this afternoon, Mr Isherwood, who is Chair the Cross Party Group on Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency, referred to the fact that the Welsh Government’s ‘Arbed’ area-based fuel poverty programme had to be investigated after it backfired on Arfon residents whose homes were left damaged, unsightly and needing repair, and referred to the UK Government’s Green Homes Grant in England, which supports local businesses, as well as making homes more energy efficient.
He said:
“ Last month the Welsh Government announced that it has commissioned Miller Research to undertake evaluation of the Arbed programme to understand its management and delivery.
“The UK Government’s Green Homes Grant scheme in England goes much further than the Welsh Government’s means-tested ‘Nest’ and area-based ‘Arbed’ energy efficiency Warm Homes’ schemes.
“It not only makes accommodation more energy efficient – and more economical to keep warm – for homeowners and tenants, but also has a knock-on effect within local economies, supporting local businesses, generating local jobs, and generating a need for further and vocational training.
“What consideration will the Minister therefore give to tackling the problems identified in Arfon by ensuring that its fuel poverty schemes are delivered by responsible local businesses?”
The Minister said she has asked officials for advice based on the report that was received by Welsh Government and will consider this before deciding on any further steps.
