House of Commons · Westminster Hall
12 February 2025 · 18 other contributors · 13,106 words
Opened by Jon Trickett Lab Normanton and Hemsworth
Responding minister: Miatta Fahnbulleh
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jon Trickett raised concerns about fuel poverty: england in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Trickett calls for the Government to urgently reassess exemptions for the winter fuel allowance to ensure that people in medical need receive financial support. He also questions whether landlords will increase rents after being required to bring their properties up to thermal insulation standards.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate addresses the issue of fuel poverty affecting millions of people in England. Jon Trickett shares his personal experience growing up in a cold, unheated home and highlights stories from constituents facing similar struggles, including those with medical conditions like post-polio syndrome and asthma.
Over 3 million households struggle with fuel poverty, and insulation rates fell due to previous Government’s 'cut the green crap' decision. The current scheme needs to avoid past failures.
The Liberal Democrat MP reports that nearly 11% of households in his constituency are classified as fuel-poor, facing difficult choices between heating their homes and affording basic necessities. He supports targeted support for energy-debt repayment and expanding the cold weather payment scheme.
Ordered a brief conclusion period for the mover of the motion.
22.9% of households in North Herefordshire live in fuel poverty, higher than the national average of 14.4%. Constituents face extreme conditions like living with only one radiator on or wrapped in blankets due to lack of heating. Asked for long-term certainty about the policy direction and level of investment to ensure that everybody can pull together in the same direction.
Stated that 17% of households in his constituency are living in fuel poverty, citing higher risks for health issues among older people and children.
Called attention to the deaths caused by fuel poverty under previous Tory governments, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue immediately.
Fuel poverty is exacerbated by loss of winter fuel payment for elderly people, affecting 24% of Northern Ireland households in 2021. Urges the Minister to discuss this issue with relevant authorities. Asked about discussions with relevant Ministers in other parts of the United Kingdom regarding strategies to address fuel poverty.
Raises concerns about fuel poverty affecting workers on low wages and calls for an end to outsourcing by reviewing contracts.
Johnson highlights the issue of nearly 80% of Liverpool Riverside residents spending almost 10% of their disposable income on heating and calls for more targeted support to help local authorities assist those in need.
The Liberal Democrats are concerned about Government delays in tackling poorly insulated homes, leaving thousands of Eastleigh residents cold and in fuel poverty. The MP highlights that nearly 3,000 families live in fuel poverty, with some resorting to using only a microwave for cooking due to high energy costs.
Defended the Government's decision on winter fuel payments and acknowledged the need to support struggling families. Mentioned a review of the fuel poverty strategy and consultations on improving energy efficiency standards in rented properties.
According to National Energy Action, one in ten households in Poole live in fuel poverty. The decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance was wrong and needs to be reversed; 800,000 older people are without a payment they previously received.
The Conservative MP acknowledges the debate's importance and adds his perspective on addressing the issue of fuel poverty and energy efficiency in homes, though specific contributions are not detailed further. Challenged the Minister on the tough choices faced by the Chancellor, comparing spending increases under Labour and Conservative Governments.
Highlighted the need for a review of the fuel poverty strategy and criticized energy companies' profits, urging reconsideration of winter fuel payment cuts.
In Keighley, 17.6% of residents are in fuel poverty; the council requested a 15% increase in council tax, which was signed off at a 10% level by the Deputy Prime Minister. Asked about the removal of winter fuel allowance affecting 64,000 pensioners.
Dyke mentions a constituent with rheumatoid arthritis who is ineligible for the winter fuel allowance due to personal independence payment, urging the Government to urgently reassess exemptions for those in medical need.
The SNP MP emphasises the UK Government's responsibility in controlling energy prices, criticising the decision to cut winter fuel payments. He supports targeted support for households in fuel poverty and advocates for a nationwide insulation programme.
The Labour MP highlights that one in six households in Mansfield are living in fuel poverty, more than twice as likely for families with children compared to pensioners. He supports the Government's review of the fuel poverty strategy and welcomes initiatives like the warm homes plan.
Government Response
Miatta FahnbullehThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Acknowledges the challenges faced by families struggling with energy bills. Highlights that under the previous Government, fuel poverty stagnated in England, affecting about 13% or 3.17 million people in 2023. Emphasises the need to tackle the cost of living crisis and situate the debate within this context. Acknowledged the challenges inherited from previous Governments and committed to working with all devolved Administrations. Consulted on improving fuel poverty strategy and proposed measures to lift half a million people out of fuel poverty through upgraded homes in private rented sector. Discussed the warm homes plan to upgrade millions of homes with insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. Mentioned providing support through funding and ensuring long-term certainty for both consumers and the supply chain.