Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Thursday, 26 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 January 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 2 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fuel Poverty

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what role her Department is playing in the Government's commitment to eradicate fuel poverty.

Answer: Defra plays a leading role in taking forward the Government's commitment to tackle fuel poverty. This is reflected in our PSA target, wording of which is shared with DTI, which endorses the commitment to eradicate fuel poverty, as far as reasonably practicable, in vulnerable households in England by 2010.Defra is responsible for the Warm Front Scheme, which is the key tool for tackling fuel poverty in the private sector in England. Since its launch in June 2000 it has assisted more than 1 million households with a range of insulation and heating measures and energy efficiency advice. The new phase of the scheme, launched in June 2005, is better equipped to target and assist those most in need in a sustainable way.Funding for Warm Front was enhanced by the announcement in the pre-Budget report 2005 of an additional £250 million for Warm Front in the period 2005–08.The Department works closely with colleagues across Government who have an interest in this area including the Departments of Trade and Industry, Work and Pensions and Health, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasury as well as the Devolved Administrations. This ensures that all areas which impact on our ability to tackle fuel poverty—energy efficiency, income and fuel cost—can be fully considered and appropriate action taken.

Secondary information