§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has commissioned into the effect that the Warm Front Team has had in combating fuel poverty; and if she will make a statement. [126168]
§ Mr. BradshawThe Department recognises the importance of assessing the effect of Warm Front in tackling fuel poverty. A recent NAO report on Warm Front and a policy review undertaken by Defra looked at the targeting and delivering of the scheme now and for the next phase post 2005. A number of independent studies are looking at the impact of Warm Front in combating fuel poverty. The Department will be considering the findings of these studies in the coming months and assessing what further work may be required.