§ Mrs. GilroyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is the Government's definition of fuel poverty; [99110]
(2) if he will set a target year by which fuel poverty in the UK will be eliminated. [99114]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 22 November 1999]: As announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for 210W Energy on 11 November 1999, an inter-ministerial group is being set up, jointly chaired by her and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to examine the way ahead on fuel poverty.
The commonly applied definition of a fuel poor household is one that needs to spend more than 10 per cent. of income to achieve a satisfactory heating regime. The inter-ministerial group will consider this definition in light of the comments received on the recent consultation, as set out in the answer given on 19 October 1999, Official Report, columns 491–92.
From our latest data, we estimate that in 1996 there were at least 4.3 million fuel poor households. Since that time we have introduced programmes to tackle low income and poor energy efficiency, which are the main causes of fuel poverty, as well as the liberalisation of the energy markets which has led to significant falls in the cost of keeping warm. The inter-ministerial group will consider the impact of these programmes to develop a more accurate picture of the extent of the problem and how quickly it can be addressed, so that a target date can be set for the elimination of fuel poverty in England.
Some of the policy initiatives in this area, such as the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, are devolved functions. Therefore a target date for Scotland and Wales would be a matter for the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.