§ 33. Mr. WicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to increase energy efficiency in the housing of people on low income.
§ Mr. BaldryThe home energy efficiency scheme provides grants to low-income households to undertake basic energy efficiency improvements and some £37.5 million is available for grants in 1993–94.
We also provide substantial assistance for those on low income through local authorities' mainstream council housing repair and improvement programmes, as well as through the estate action and green house programmes. Authorities in England spent over £200 million in 1991–92 on energy efficiency improvements under these programmes.
The Energy Saving Trust has recently been formed as a private sector company to propose, develop and manage new programmes to promote the efficient use of energy in the domestic and small business sector. The trust will be taking an interest in the problems of low-income households.