§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make grants available for older people to undertake the repairs and improvements needed to make homes warm, safe and secure. [13182]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesGrants are already available under the home renovation grant arrangements and the home energy efficiency scheme. The new home repair assistance in the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Bill would replace minor works assistance and be of particular help to older people.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy concerning warmth and energy efficiency for elderly people. [13184]
§ Mr. RichardsThere are a number of measures in place to help pensioners in Wales.
The Welsh Office's annual "Keep Warm Keep Well" campaign, run in conjunction with Age Concern Cymru, advises vulnerable people how to minimise the risks of cold weather and what help is available.
The home energy efficiency scheme provides grants for basic insulation measures to people aged over 60, whether they rent, own or are buying their own homes. The number of homes in Wales insulated in 1994–95 under the HEES was 20,808 at a cost of around £3.3 million. In 1995–96 an estimated 29,750 homes in Wales will benefit at a cost of some £4.8 million.
As at 1 February 1996, an estimated 5,546,795 cold weather payments, at an estimated cost of £47,147,754, have been issued.