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Fuel Poverty

As I do not have a particularly rural constituency, I cannot comment on my hon. Friend's suggestion. No doubt the Minister will wish to comment on that either now or in the future. I return to energy efficiency. As well as taking measures to help people meet the rising costs of energy, long-term measures to improve energy efficiency and warm up the homes of the oldest and most vulnerable are crucial to solving this problem and will help to ensure that people can live in decent conditions. The creation of energy-efficient homes is important for domestic consumers and can also play a role in tackling the growing problem of climate change. The continuation and extension of grant schemes to assist with the cost of creating energy-efficient homes is crucial, but much more could be done. I do not have time to develop all those ideas now, but energy companies and regulators need to work harder to provide information about the benefits and grant schemes available to customers. That information should be presented in a simple and understandable format. Much is being done, but much more could be done by some energy suppliers in particular. There are specific problems in rural areas and certain types of urban housing that need particular attention and a focused approach.