1-20 of 24 results for subject:Heating
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.276 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.004 seconds
- Search query
- subject:Heating
- We searched for
- subject_t:Heating OR subject_ses:91496
Session
X
1999-00
Type
+
Legislation (2)
+
Bills (1)
+
Public bills (1)
+
Private members' bills (1)
-
Ballot bills (1)
+
Delegated legislation (1)
-
Statutory instruments (1)
+
Members' contributions (4)
-
Oral answers to questions (2)
-
Oral questions (2)
+
Parliamentary proceedings (4)
+
Debates (3)
+
Legislative debates (3)
-
Debates on bills (3)
+
Parliamentary questions (16)
-
Oral questions (2)
-
Written questions (14)
House
Session
More
1999-00 (24)
Year
Department
Member
More
Primary member
Answering member
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will estimate the proportion of pensioners are living in fuel poverty aged (a) 65 to 69, (b) 70 to 79 and (c) 80 years and above broken down by (i) government offices of the regions,...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will estimate the proportion of pensioners are living in fuel poverty aged (a) 65 to 69, (b) 70 to 79 and (c) 80 years and above broken down by (i) government offices of the regions,...
Asked by
Paul Burstow
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
31 October 2000
For answer on
13 November 2000
Answered on
13 November 2000
Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the proportion of
pensioners living in fuel poverty aged (a) 65 to 69, (b) 70 to 79 and (c) 80 years and above broken down by (i) Government offices
of the regions, (ii) groups of authorities with similar characteristics and (iii) area types based on the English House Conditions
Survey Data for (A) 1991 and (B) 1996. [136221]
Mr. Meacher: There are two main definitions of a fuel poor household:
(a) If, in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, it would be required to spend more than 10 per cent. of all income
(including Housing Benefit and Income Support for Mortgage Interest) on all household fuel use.
(b) If, in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, it would be required to spend more than 10 per cent. of its income
(excluding Housing Benefit and Income Support for Mortgage Interest) on all household fuel use.
The 1991 English House Condition Survey (EHCS) was based on a smaller sample of homes, and collected less information on each,
compared to the 1996 survey. As a result it is not possible to provide the information requested without undue expenditure, and
indeed if at all. The information that is available is shown in the table and is based on the definition at (b) above.
Number of fuel poor households{ 1} aged 60 years or more based on data from the 1991 English House Condition Survey
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Household type Percentage of households in fuel poverty Total number of households (thousands)
Couple aged 60 or more 44 3,096
One person aged 60 or more 80 2,840
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
{1} Based on the definition at (b) above.
Using data from the 1996 EHCS, the tables set out the breakdown of older fuel poor households by Government office region and also
by type of location. In order to be statistically valid, some of the categories requested have been grouped together. A breakdown is
not available on the basis of groups of local authorities which have similar characteristics.
Number of fuel poor households aged 60 years in each Government office region based on data from the 1996 English House condition
Survey
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Government office region Age category (years) Percentage of fuel poor Percentage of fuel poor Total number of
using definition (a) using definition (b) households (thousands)
North East 60 to 74 46 51 245
75 or above 47 54 108
Yorkshire and Humber 60 to 74 36 38 400
75 or above 55 67 269
North West 60 to 74 38 43 613
75 or above 38 49 332
East Midlands 60 to 74 32 36 381
75 or above 45 51 189
West Midlands 60 to 74 36 40 497
75 or above 54 61 222
South West 60 to 74 34 36 451
75 or above 43 49 300
Eastern 60 to 74 26 30 555
75 or above 43 50 246
South East 60 to 74 22 26 629
75 or above 35 37 384
Greater London 60 to 74 24 30 508
75 or above 41 49 234
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Number of fuel poor households aged 60 years or more in urban/rural area based on data from the 1996 English House Condition Survey
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Area type{ 1} Age category (years) Percentage of fuel poor Percentage of fuel poor Total number of
using definition (a) using definition (b) households (thousands)
Urban 60 to 74 31 35 3,289
75 to 84 38 45 1,422
85 or above 46 57 338
Rural 60 to 74 33 36 990
75 to 84 55 57 401
85 or above 62 71 124
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
{1} Urban includes city centre and suburban residential homes. Rural includes rural residential and village centre homes.
Subjects
Costs; Fuel poverty; Heating; Pensioners; Older people
Date
13 November 2000
Reference
356 c483-6W;356 c483-5W; 136221
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in heating oil costs on Government targets to reduce fuel poverty; what assessment he has made of the role played by heating fuel oil costs in progress made on tackling...
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in heating oil costs on Government targets to reduce fuel poverty; what assessment he has made of the role played by heating fuel oil costs in progress made on tackling...
Asked by
Lord Blencathra
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 November 2000
For answer on
9 November 2000
Answered on
9 November 2000
Mr. Maclean: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of (1) the effect of changes in
heating oil costs on Government targets to reduce fuel poverty; [136919]
(2) the role played by heating fuel oil costs in progress made on tackling fuel poverty. [137104]
Mrs. Liddell: The latest available figures{1} suggest that about 3 per cent. of households in England have oil-fired central
heating. The figures also indicate that 2 per cent. (around 80,000 households) of those in fuel poverty in 1996 had oil-fired
central heating. In the four years from the second quarter of 1996 to the second quarter of 2000, there has been a 9.25 per cent.
rise in real terms in the price of heating oils.
The Government recognise that recent increases in heating oil prices may have adversely affected those households using this fuel,
including those in rural or isolated areas. While the numbers affected are relatively small, compared to the total number in fuel
poverty, the Government recognise that fluctuations in prices can take people in and out of fuel poverty.
The Government will be consulting on its draft strategy to tackle fuel poverty later this year.
{1} English House Condition Survey 1996.
Subjects
Costs; Fuel poverty; Heating; Fuel oil; Prices
Date
9 November 2000
Reference
356 c333W; 136919;137104
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to extend routine screening in the NHS. - (Holding answer 1 November 2000).
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to extend routine screening in the NHS. - (Holding answer 1 November 2000).
Asked by
Sandra Gidley
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Yvette Cooper
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 October 2000
For answer on
7 November 2000
Answered on
7 November 2000
Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend routine screening in the NHS. [135847]
Yvette Cooper: [holding answer 1 November 2000]:
The National Health Service Plan made a clear commitment to extending routine screening.
Women aged 65-70 will be offered routine breast screening; cervical screening technologies will be improved; and colorectal cancer
screening will be introduced should the current pilot studies demonstrate its effectiveness. The United Kingdom National Screening
Committee will continue its review of prostate cancer screening.
By 2004, there will also be new screening programmes for women and children, including equitable, high quality antenatal screening,
screening for haemoglobinopathies and neonatal deafness.
Subjects
Cervical cancer; Breast cancer; Cancer; Babies; Heating; NHS; Screening; Prostate cancer
Date
7 November 2000
Reference
356 c173W; 135847
House
House of Commons
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, by how much (a) the pre-tax cost of a litre of domestic heating fuel, (b) the fuel duty on a litre and (c) the VAT on a litre has increased by (i) percentage and (ii) actual terms since January 1999; and how much...
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, by how much (a) the pre-tax cost of a litre of domestic heating fuel, (b) the fuel duty on a litre and (c) the VAT on a litre has increased by (i) percentage and (ii) actual terms since January 1999; and how much...
Asked by
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
(Conservative)
Answered by
Stephen Timms
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 October 2000
For answer on
31 October 2000
Answered on
31 October 2000
Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much (a) the pre-tax cost of a litre of domestic heating fuel, (b)
the fuel duty on a litre and (c) the VAT on a litre has increased by (i) percentage and (ii) actual terms since January 1999; and
how much additional revenue the Treasury has received as a result. [135124]
Mr. Timms: Information on the prices of different fuel products is available in "Energy Trends", published monthly by the DTI. There
is no excise duty on standard grade heating oil. The rate of VAT applying to domestic heating oil has remained at 5 per cent. since
it was reduced to that level from 8 per cent. in September 1997.
Estimating the additional revenues accrued by the Government as a result of the rise in the price of heating oil is difficult
because we need to make assumptions about the way in which consumers fund the rise in the price of fuel. If expenditure is diverted
predominantly from standard rated goods towards expenditure on heating oil, VAT receipts may actually fall.
Subjects
Energy; Excise duties; Heating; Fuels; VAT
Date
31 October 2000
Reference
355 c415W; 135124
House
House of Commons
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, by how much the cost of central heating fuel has risen due to (a) the increase in the price of crude oil and (b) increases in taxation, since 1st April 1998. - Inc figures and ref to "Energy Trends, March 1999" copy in...
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, by how much the cost of central heating fuel has risen due to (a) the increase in the price of crude oil and (b) increases in taxation, since 1st April 1998. - Inc figures and ref to "Energy Trends, March 1999" copy in...
Asked by
Baroness Shephard of Northwold
(Conservative)
Answered by
Stephen Timms
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 October 2000
For answer on
26 October 2000
Answered on
26 October 2000
Mrs. Shephard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the cost of central heating fuel has risen due to (a) the increase
in the price of crude oil and (b) increases in taxation, since 1 April 1998. [134292]
Mr. Timms: The information requested is contained in the Department of Trade and Industry's monthly statistical bulletin, "Energy
Trends, March 1999". A copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.
The rise in taxation was preceded in September 1997 by the Government's reduction in the rate of VAT on fuel and power used
domestically, cutting the rate of VAT from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent., the lowest level allowed under European Community law.
Subjects
Costs; Heating; Fuels; Prices; Taxation
Date
26 October 2000
Reference
355 c196W; 134292
House
House of Commons
Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill. Lords second reading debate. Agreed to on question. Committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill. Lords second reading debate. Agreed to on question. Committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
Lead member
Lord McColl of Dulwich
Answering member
Lord Whitty
Department
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Debates on bills
Legislative stage
Second reading
Legislation
Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill 1999/2000
Subjects
Conservation; Housing; Energy; Fuel poverty; Insulation; Heating
Date
13 October 2000
Reference
617 c617-36
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Statement on what the component parts will be of the Government's new definition of fuel poverty, including specific exclusions; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.
Statement on what the component parts will be of the Government's new definition of fuel poverty, including specific exclusions; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Alan Simpson
(Labour)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 July 2000
For answer on
24 July 2000
Answered on
24 July 2000
Mr. Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the component parts will be of
the Government's new definition of fuel poverty, including specific exclusions; and if he will make a statement. [130935]
Mr. Meacher: The information is as follows.
1. The Inter-Ministerial Group on Fuel Poverty, chaired jointly by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Competitiveness
in Europe and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord
Whitty), has reviewed the commonly applied definition of fuel poverty, namely a household that needs to spend more than 10 per cent.
of income to achieve a satisfactory heating regime. The Group has taken account of responses to last year's consultation on the new
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES), which sought comments on the definition, and in particular: whether the use of fuel for
non-heating purposes should be included in assessing the amount of fuel needed to achieve a satisfactory heating regime;and whether
the calculation of household income should exclude any element of housing costs such as rent or mortgage payments.
Some 60 per cent. of the 252 respondents commented on one or both of the questions.
2. The Group has concluded as a consequence that the 10 per cent. threshold is appropriate for defining fuel poverty. On non-heating
fuel, the Group noted that 54 per cent. of respondents to the new HEES consultation had commented that all fuel costs should be
taken into account; 6 per cent. had other suggestions; and the other 40 per cent. did not comment. The Group believes that the
definition should be based on all fuel use.
3. As regards the treatment of housing costs, the Group noted that 34 per cent. of respondents suggested that they should not be
excluded from the calculation of household income; 20 per cent. that some allowance should be made; 6 per cent. offered other
suggestions; and 40 per cent. did not comment. The Government's Poverty Strategy has shown income data both with no allowance for
housing costs, and excluding costs met by Housing Benefit or Income Support for Mortgage Interest (ISMI). The Group has taken
account of responses to the consultation exercise and the difficulty of producing definitive figures, and has concluded that the
draft Fuel Poverty Strategy which will be issued in the autumn will focus mainly on the first basis, but will identify the number of
fuel poor on both bases. But the Government will consult further and will invite comments on this, when they publish their draft
Strategy.
4. Some commentators have argued that all mortgage, rent and other housing costs should be excluded in calculating household income.
On this basis, however, more than one in three households in England would have been classed as fuel poor in 1996, based on the
English House Condition Survey. Although fuel poverty is unacceptably widespread, this definition would include many households who
would not be regarded--or regard themselves--as being in material fuel poverty.
Subjects
Conservation; Housing; Energy; Households; Fuel poverty; Heating; Income
Date
24 July 2000
Reference
354 c391W; 130935
House
House of Commons
Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill. Report stage. Third reading debate. Passed.
Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill. Report stage. Third reading debate. Passed.
Lead member
David Amess
Answering member
Chris Mullin
Department
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Debates on bills
Legislative stage
Third reading; Report stage
Legislation
Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill 1999/2000
Subjects
Conservation; Housing; Energy; Fuel poverty; Insulation; Heating
Date
21 July 2000
Reference
354 c655-709
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many council homes in Shrewsbury and Atcham will benefit from home energy efficiency measures by the end of this year; and if he will make a statement; how many households will be helped out of fuel...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many council homes in Shrewsbury and Atcham will benefit from home energy efficiency measures by the end of this year; and if he will make a statement; how many households will be helped out of fuel...
Asked by
Paul Marsden
(Labour)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 July 2000
For answer on
19 July 2000
Answered on
19 July 2000
Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many council homes in
Shrewsbury and Atcham will benefit from home energy efficiency measures by the end of this year; and if he will make a statement;
[131157]
(2) how many households will be helped out of fuel poverty by 2002 through energy-efficiency schemes in Shrewsbury and Atcham.
[131137]
Mr. Meacher: The Government have introduced a wide range of programmes to tackle poor energy efficiency, one of the main causes of
fuel poverty. These are as follows.
From 1 June, the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme provides grants of up to £2,000 for comprehensive packages of insulation and heating
improvements. The scheme is aimed at those households which are most vulnerable to cold-related ill health: older people and
families on low incomes, and the disabled and chronically sick. HEES has a budget of £275 million for the first two years, which is
expected to help some 460,000 households. The scheme is focused on the private sector where nearly 70 per cent. of the fuel poor in
England are found. However, limited funds will still be available for social housing in the first two years.
We have released substantial additional funds to help improve our housing stock; in total some £5 billion is being made available
over the lifetime of this Parliament for investment in housing. Most of the additional resources are going to local authorities and
will be spent according to the needs and priorities identified in their housing strategy. We estimate that around one third of the
money is likely to lead directly or indirectly to improvements in energy efficiency.
Government funded programmes operated by the Energy Saving Trust improve the energy efficiency of both fuel poor households and
others. In addition, some of the Government funded regeneration schemes will help to improve home energy efficiency in specific
areas.
To support the installation of energy efficiency measures, from 1 July 1998 the Government have reduced VAT from 17.5 per cent. to 5
per cent. for the installation of energy efficiency materials through Government funded grant schemes such as HEES. The Spring 2000
budget extended the reduced rate of VAT of 5 per cent. to include the installation of energy saving material in "all" homes and the
installation of heating measures through Government funded grant schemes.
The Government are also introducing provisions to enable lessors to claim capital allowances on their investment in boilers,
radiators and controls installed in residential properties under the Affordable Warmth Programme. The Programme will operate from
2000 to 2007, with the aim of helping up to 1 million low income households, primarily in the social sector, benefit from improved
energy efficiency.
In addition to Government energy efficiency programmes, since 1994, public electricity suppliers have, under the Energy Efficiency
Standards of Performance, been required to encourage and assist customers with energy efficiency measures. The new Director General
of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets has, from this year extended these to also include public gas suppliers and the overall
size of the programme has been doubled to £50 million a year. 65 per cent. of this expenditure will be allocated to low income
households.
Under the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) 1995, local authorities with housing responsibilities were required to prepare,
publish and submit to the Secretary of State an energy conservation report identifying energy conservation measures considered to be
practicable, cost-effective and likely to result in a significant improvement in the energy efficiency of all residential
accommodation in their area.
In England, authorities are now reporting annually on the progress being made in implementing the measures identified. Furthermore,
we have now asked local authorities to report on their policies and achievements specifically in combating fuel poverty, at the same
time as they submit their HECA progress reports. The next HECA progress report from local authorities is due by 31 July 2000.
The energy conservation report prepared by Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, and their most recent progress report, should be
available from the Council.
Subjects
Conservation; Council housing; Finance; Energy; Grants; Fuel poverty; Housing improvement; Insulation; Heating; Warm front scheme; Local government; Standards; VAT; Shrewsbury
Date
19 July 2000
Reference
354 c206-8W; 131157;131137
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many contractors he expects to use under the new home energy efficiency scheme; how many contractors used by the home energy efficiency scheme in the period up to April 2000 are not eligible for the new...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many contractors he expects to use under the new home energy efficiency scheme; how many contractors used by the home energy efficiency scheme in the period up to April 2000 are not eligible for the new...
Asked by
Damian Green
(Conservative)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 July 2000
For answer on
19 July 2000
Answered on
19 July 2000
Mr. Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many contractors he expects to use
under the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme; [131310]
(2) how many contractors used by the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in the period up to April 2000 are not eligible for the New Home
Energy Efficiency Scheme; [131311]
(3) what guidance he has issued to determine which contractors are eligible to be considered under the New Home Energy Efficiency
Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [131312]
Mr. Meacher: Some 100 insulation and heating installation contractors are currently appointed to the New Home Energy Efficiency
Scheme, which started in June. The two Scheme Managers for New HEES expect to appoint up to a further 45 contractors. The New HEES
scheme, which started in June, provides vulnerable householders with a comprehensive package of insulation, together with efficient
central heating for householders over 60 in age, through grants of up to £2,000. The previous scheme provided householders with one
insulation measure per household, mainly draughtproofing, with a maximum grant of £315. Funding for the scheme has been increased
from about £76 million last year to around £122 million this year and around £153 million next year.
Some 130 insulation contractors were involved in the previous scheme.
The Scheme Managers for New HEES, Eastern Energy and the EAGA Partnership Ltd., were appointed by my Department following UK Public
Procurement Rules and Regulations. They are contractually required to appoint installers using the same competitive tendering
process and following the same Regulations. All existing installers were eligible to tender for appointment to the new scheme.
Installers have been chosen on the basis of their technical abilities to deal with the wider range of measures provided through New
HEES, their ability to meet the quality standard, and the price tendered.
Subjects
Contracts; Conservation; Finance; Energy; Grants; Housing improvement; Insulation; Heating; Warm front scheme; Older people; Standards; Central heating
Date
19 July 2000
Reference
354 c205-6W; 131310;131311;131312
House
House of Commons
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what the cost was of each towel rail installed in the last 12 months in the premises used by the Lord Chancellor privately or officially in the Palace of Westminster; how many towel rails were installed; and what the labour cost was...
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what the cost was of each towel rail installed in the last 12 months in the premises used by the Lord Chancellor privately or officially in the Palace of Westminster; how many towel rails were installed; and what the labour cost was...
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
David Lock
(Labour)
Answering body
Lord Chancellor's Department
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 July 2000
For answer on
17 July 2000
Answered on
17 July 2000
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the cost was of each towel rail installed
in the last 12 months in the premises used by the Lord Chancellor privately or officially in the Palace of Westminster; how many
towel rails were installed; and what the labour cost was for the installation of each towel rail. [130805]
Mr. Lock: The Parliamentary Works Directorate is responsible for carrying out repairs in the Palace of Westminster. Two defective
heating radiators in bathrooms in the Lord Chancellor's residence have been replaced by them in the last 12 months. Each radiator
cost £536.66 and was subject to a 5 per cent. handling charge, the total labour charge was £174.20 and the VAT was £227.71, giving a
total of £1,528.90 for the two radiators. The entire cost went to the House of Lords current works 2000-01 budget.
Subjects
Costs; Electrical goods; Heating; Lord Chancellor's Department; Sanitation
Date
17 July 2000
Reference
354 c90W; 130805
House
House of Commons
1st supplementary on disadvantaged children and the elderly. - Inc figures.
1st supplementary on disadvantaged children and the elderly. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Lord Hardy of Wath
(Labour)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
6 July 2000
Subjects
Conservation; Housing; Energy; Households; Fuel poverty; Heating
Date
6 July 2000
Reference
614 c1597-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Answered by
Lord Whitty
(Labour)
Type
Oral answers to questions
Whether significant action has been taken to respond to the problem of fuel poverty.
Subjects
Conservation; Housing; Energy; Households; Fuel poverty; Heating
Date
6 July 2000
Reference
614 c1597-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Answered by
Lord Whitty
(Labour)
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Conservation; Housing; Energy; Households; Fuel poverty; Heating
Date
6 July 2000
Reference
614 c1597-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Whether significant action has been taken to respond to the problem of fuel poverty.
Whether significant action has been taken to respond to the problem of fuel poverty.
Answered by
Lord Whitty
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
6 July 2000
Answered on
6 July 2000
Subjects
Conservation; Housing; Energy; Households; Fuel poverty; Heating
Date
6 July 2000
Reference
614 c1597-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what work he is carrying out in collaboration with National Energy Action to relieve conditions of fuel poverty in the United Kingdom. - Inc figure.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what work he is carrying out in collaboration with National Energy Action to relieve conditions of fuel poverty in the United Kingdom. - Inc figure.
Asked by
Llew Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 June 2000
For answer on
3 July 2000
Answered on
3 July 2000
Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what work he is carrying out in
collaboration with National Energy Action to relieve conditions of fuel poverty in the United Kingdom. [127576]
Mr. Meacher: The Department has supported the work of National Energy Action (NEA) for many years. This year it will be providing
grant funding of £736,000 towards NEA's work in England, concentrating on: support to local authorities in developing affordable
warmth strategies for their area; identifying how to reach fuel poor households in rural areas; and development of referral networks
among ethnic minority communities.
Subjects
Housing; Energy; Fuel poverty; Heating; Fuels; Rural areas
Date
3 July 2000
Reference
127576; 353 c81W
House
House of Commons
Statement on progress made in partnership with Transco on implementing the affordable warmth programme in advance of next winter. - Inc figures.
Statement on progress made in partnership with Transco on implementing the affordable warmth programme in advance of next winter. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Llew Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 June 2000
For answer on
3 July 2000
Answered on
3 July 2000
Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress
made in partnership with Transco on implementing the affordable warmth programme in advance of next winter. [127573]
Ms Hewitt: I have been asked to reply.
There has been significant progress on Affordable Warmth since my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
trailed the scheme in a speech last October. The Government have worked closely with Transco in developing the scheme, and, in
particular, have amended the rules on capital allowances to encourage the use of lease financing for domestic central heating
equipment which is central to the scheme's operation.
The scheme was formally launched to MPs, local authorities, and the fuel poverty lobby by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of
State for Trade and Industry on 8 June. Transco subsequently presented the scheme to Welsh housing providers in Cardiff on 26 June.
There are two separate aspects to the scheme--the installation of central heating and insulation in the homes of the fuel poor, and
the development of training opportunities for those employed through the scheme. On the first of these, Transco have given 175
presentations about the scheme to social housing providers, and planned installations so far include Inverclyde Council (3,500
homes) and Derby City Council (600 homes). Discussions are proceeding with Leicester City Council (3,000 homes). Many more housing
providers--including Blaenau Gwent--have expressed interest.
Transco estimate that at least 3,000 homes will be treated by the end of the calendar year 2000, and perhaps many more than that as
the scheme gathers momentum. We expect a million homes to be improved under the scheme over the next five years. This will
significantly reduce the incidence of fuel poverty.
On the training front, there are already three live projects: in Leicester, the first Environ Energy Advocates Project course began
at the end of May, with six people trained so far and 40 projected by the beginning of December: the Fenland District Council
Central Heating in Partnership Scheme (CHIPS) begins on 1 July, for completion by 1 December, with 50 people to be trained; the
Affordable Warmth team is working in conjunction with the Gas Industry Training Organisation (GINTO) on the competition to create a
training framework for adults coming into the gas installation and maintenance business.
Other projects currently under discussion include: a partnership being developed between Transco and Braunstone's New Deal Task
Force, to train 200 members of the community in Affordable Warmth-related skills (10 per cent. through New Deal, 50 Gas Installation
Engineers) over a three-year period; a bid to establish a consortium capable of delivering demand-led gas industry training in the
London area (as part of the GINTO adult framework competition), to which Affordable Warmth have been invited to provide some
funding.
Further regeneration areas being targeted include Hull and Luton. Transco expect that the scheme will create 10,000 training
opportunities, with 3,000 of those becoming fully-qualified gas fitters. It is also expected that 3,000 opportunities will be made
available for people under the New Deal.
Subjects
Conservation; Capital allowances; Housing; Energy; Fuel poverty; Heating; Fuels; Training; Transco
Date
3 July 2000
Reference
127573; 353 c80-1W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment he has made of the ways in which other EU member states tackle problems of fuel poverty.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment he has made of the ways in which other EU member states tackle problems of fuel poverty.
Asked by
Llew Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 June 2000
For answer on
29 June 2000
Answered on
29 June 2000
Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the ways
in which other EU member states tackle problems of fuel poverty. [127574]
Mr. Meacher: Work by National Energy Action and others indicate that fuel poverty is not widely recognised in other member states of
the European Union, with the exception of Ireland.
Fuel poverty is caused mainly by a combination of low income and poor energy efficiency in homes. The links between temperature and
winter mortality is strong and typically 30,000 more people die in winter in the UK than would be expected given the average death
rate for the year. Although this excess mortality is caused by both exposure to outdoor conditions as well as cold homes, it is much
higher in the UK than in other countries, such as the Scandinavians, where winter outdoor conditions are more severe but homes are
more energy efficient.
The Government believe it is unacceptable for households, particularly those most vulnerable to cold-related ill health--the old,
disabled and children-- not to be able to afford the heat they need to keep warm. The Inter-ministerial Group on fuel poverty is
currently developing a fuel poverty strategy for publication in the autumn, that sets out objectives and the policies and targets to
achieve them. It is likely that the strategy will cover both measures to tackle low incomes as well as improvements in energy
efficiency of homes.
Subjects
Death; Housing; EU countries; Fuel poverty; Heating; Low incomes; Weather
Date
29 June 2000
Reference
127574; 352 c601-2W
House
House of Commons
SI 2000/1077 (Negative instrument). Coming into force 9 May 2000.
SI 2000/1077 (Negative instrument). Coming into force 9 May 2000.
Department
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Statutory instruments
Procedure
Negative
Laid on
18 April 2000
Made on
17 April 2000
Coming into force
9 May 2000
Legislation
Clean Air Act 1993; Smoke Control Areas (Authorised Fuels) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000
Subjects
Air pollution; Boilers; Heating; Pollution control; Smoke and chimney gases; Smoke control areas
Commons Library location
UP 864 1999/2000
Date
18 April 2000
Reference
SI 2000/1077
House
House of Commons; House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many households in homes heated by community heating schemes are in fuel poverty; and if such households will be eligible to benefit from the Affordable Warmth Programme. - (Holding answer 30 March 2000).
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many households in homes heated by community heating schemes are in fuel poverty; and if such households will be eligible to benefit from the Affordable Warmth Programme. - (Holding answer 30 March 2000).
Asked by
Lord Foster of Bath
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 March 2000
For answer on
5 April 2000
Answered on
5 April 2000
Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many households in homes heated by
community heating schemes are in fuel poverty; and if such households will be eligible to benefit from the Affordable Warmth
Programme. [116676]
Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 30 March 2000]: The present estimates of the number of fuel poor households in England are based on
data from the English House Condition Survey. Unfortunately it is not possible to identify the number of households heated by
community heating schemes who are also suffering from fuel poverty.
I can confirm that households heated through community heating schemes will be able to benefit from the Affordable Warmth Programme
announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Capital allowances will be made available to lessors on
de-mountable heat exchangers, radiators and heating controls installed inside dwellings under the Programme. Lessors will be able to
write off 25 per cent. of the cost of this equipment each year on the reducing balance basis against their taxable income, provided
their expenditure is incurred by 31 December 2007.
Subjects
Conservation; Capital allowances; Energy; Households; Fuel poverty; Heating
Date
5 April 2000
Reference
347 c483-4W; 116676
House
House of Commons