FUEL POVERTY IN WALES

Early day motion 1122, tabled 28 November 2005 by Jennifer Willott (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 22 members.

That this House is deeply concerned at new figures which suggest that more than 2,000 pensioners will die in Wales this winter as a result of fuel poverty and that nearly one in five Welsh homes will be inadequately heated this winter; notes that energy prices have risen by more than 35 per cent. in the last two years, exacerbating the problem of fuel poverty; further notes that fuel poverty affects the most vulnerable sectors of society, that in the past two years winter fuel deaths in Wales have risen by one third and that housing energy efficiency standards in the UK are still some of the lowest in Europe; believes that a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of 65 for houses would guarantee affordable warmth for its occupiers; further notes National Energy Action's (NEA) estimate that the average SAP rating for houses in Wales, Scotland and England is 48, 48.5 and 51 respectively; pays tribute to the NEA's Warm Homes campaign; and calls on the Government to rethink its approach and devote more resources to stop these very preventable deaths.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 8, Labour 6, DUP 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 1.