§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures his Department has taken to reduce the level of energy inefficiency in pensioner households. [89440]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government have developed a wide range of measures to improve domestic energy efficiency.
The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) is currently the main programme for insulating the homes of the neediest householders. The Scheme provides grants (up to a maximum of £315) for energy efficiency improvements in the homes of people on benefits, the disabled and the over-60s. Those aged 60 or over but not on a qualifying benefit are entitled to a 25 per cent. grant.
On 11 May I launched our consultation proposals for revising and expanding HEES. With a budget of some £300 million for the first two years, New HEES will provide comprehensive packages of heating and insulation improvements. The programme will provide substantial help for over-60s on low income, including central heating systems, with a revised grant maximum of £1,800.
The Government have also increased the annual Winter Fuel Payment to £100 for every eligible pensioner household. Pensioners can put this money towards the cost of their fuel bills, or to help fund energy efficiency improvements.
In addition to a broad range of Government energy efficiency programmes, the Director General for Electricity has, since 1994, set Energy Efficiency Standards of Performance requiring the public energy suppliers to encourage and assist customers with energy efficiency measures. Around two thirds of this help has gone to pensioner and low-income families.