§ 11. Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on progress of the home energy efficiency scheme.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryInitial experience in operating the home energy efficiency scheme has confirmed that it meets a real need and is being well received. More than 95,000 insulation jobs were carried out under the scheme between 1 April and 30 September.
§ Mr. EvennettI thank my hon. Friend for his reply. How much more is being spent in the current financial year on the scheme? Are the Government on track for the target of implementing 200,000 schemes during the current year?
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThis year, some £26 million has been allocated to the scheme and we are on target to do 200,000 insulation jobs. I am pleased to say that as a result of the autumn statement, the budget for the home energy efficiency scheme will increase by 50 per cent. next year.