Fuel Poverty — [Sir Roger Gale in the Chair]

Praised the Conservative Government's efforts in increasing home insulation EPC ratings from 12% to 41%, but acknowledged they could have done more. Highlighted concerns over the removal of winter fuel allowance, particularly for pensioners in rural areas facing severe winters. Criticised Labour's decision on funding and public sector pay rises as unfair towards vulnerable pensioners. Aspire to that.

Discussed the challenges of fuel poverty and care sector in rural Scotland, highlighting higher costs due to colder weather and older houses. Suggested equalising standing charges and focusing winter fuel allowance on the most deserving people. Will the Minister allow humble servants such as myself to get involved in that? I have spent several years working with the Highland council and others on community benefits, and I would appreciate a meeting.

Highlights the impact of poor-quality housing on fuel poverty in Shipley, noting that around 17 energy crisis hotspots exist. Emphasises the importance of focusing efforts to tackle fuel poverty on areas with below-average household income and above-average energy bills. Acknowledges a scandal where pensioner poverty rose from 12% to 16%, affecting more than 2 million people despite a decline in pension credit claimants. Anna Dixon suggested that building more high-quality housing for older people is part of the solution to address unsuitable homes and provide better-insulated alternatives, making it easier for them to heat their homes. Congratulated the Chancellor on increasing the windfall tax on gas and oil companies to invest in priorities such as home insulation. The Lancet and the Institute of Health Equity have estimated that there were 102 excess winter deaths in Shipley due to cold homes, indicating that previous government measures did not effectively reduce fuel poverty or prevent deaths from cold homes.

Tackling fuel poverty needs to be a priority, as progress has stalled since 2019 and UK homes are among the least energy-efficient in Europe. The Resolution Foundation noted that housing stock offers the worst value for money of any advanced economy, with British housing being the oldest in Europe and 38% built before 1946. NHS spends an estimated £1.4 billion annually on treating illnesses associated with cold and damp housing, rising to £15.4 billion when wider societal costs are considered.

The NHS spends about £1.4 billion annually dealing with health issues caused by living in cold or damp homes, highlighting the impact of fuel poverty on individual finances and healthcare resources. The Liberal Democrats propose an emergency home energy upgrade programme for vulnerable populations to improve housing quality, reduce environmental impact, and ensure new builds are net zero.

I recently visited the home of an elderly pensioner in my constituency where she was wearing multiple layers because she could not afford to turn on her heating. She is afraid of the cost and it affects her health. Does the right hon Gentleman agree that the Government's cut to winter fuel allowance will have serious impacts?

Jim Shannon highlighted the high levels of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland, noting that it is at 21.5% compared to 10.4% in England and 26.5% in Scotland. He cited a Housing Executive report indicating that if the measure is based on 21°C heat in living rooms, the figure for Northern Ireland rises to 30%, making it the highest in the UK. Shannon described how people are forced to wear heavy clothing inside their homes and mentioned a staff member who spends £1,127 over four months just on gas to keep her home warm. He emphasized that fuel poverty affects not only low-income households but also middle-class families and pensioners who rely heavily on oil heating. Shannon called for the reinstatement of the winter fuel allowance and advocated for energy-efficient housing. I am very much listening to the Minister, who was perhaps about to tell us what will happen in Northern Ireland, where 62% of households are dependent on oil. In comparison, the proportion for England—I say this gracefully, Sir Roger—is only 4%. The greater emphasis on Northern Ireland will therefore fall upon us.

I have recently received more than 200 emails from pensioners in Glastonbury and Somerton who do not know whether they can afford to turn on the heating this winter. Does my right hon Friend agree that the Government should provide targeted energy discounts for vulnerable households?

Intervenes to express concern about the impact of fuel poverty on local charities and councils, noting that these entities are stepping up to support those falling into fuel poverty after the winter fuel payment was scrapped. Victoria Collins shared a constituent's story of having to choose between staying in bed all day or keeping warm with limited electricity, illustrating the difficult choices faced by those struggling with fuel poverty.

The MP highlighted the impact of fuel poverty in southern constituencies with solid walls and thatched roofs, which are difficult to insulate. She noted that people face a choice between heating and eating, and praised the Help for Warmth scheme but argued it only addresses symptoms rather than causes. The Liberal Democrats advocate reducing energy demand through home insulation programmes and promoting solar PV on new homes, arguing that this would be cost-effective if scaled up.