HC Deb 30 January 1996 vol 270 cc643-4W
19. Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many households have been assisted through the Government's home energy efficiency scheme during the last year; and what estimates he has been given by neighbourhood energy action for 1996–97 following the budget cut of £31 million. [10387]

Mr. Robert B. Jones

The estimated number of grants for 1995–96 is 600,000. NEA, formerly known as Neighbourhood Energy Action, has suggested that 400,000 grants will be paid next year, but it has not stated its assumptions. We have announced changes in the grant level which will reduce the average grant per installation, while fully protecting low-income households. The provision for next year therefore provides scope for considerably more than 400,000 grants.

22. Mr. McKelvey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many households have benefited from home energy efficiency scheme payments over the past two financial years; and what payment he estimates will be made in the current financial year. [10390]

Mr. Jones

A total of 270,148 grants were paid under the home energy efficiency scheme in 1993–94, and 449,902 in 1994–95. In the present financial year, I estimate that £98 million will be paid out in grants to around 600,000 households.