Response to Equality and Social Justice Committee report on Fuel Poverty

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:

“I welcome the report published today by the Equality and Social Justice Committee focused on tackling fuel poverty, a key issue which impacts upon the lives of tens of thousands of older people in Wales.

“I’m pleased that the findings of the report reflect the evidence I shared with the Committee and that many of the recommendations are aligned to the action I have been calling for to tackle this growing and concerning issue.

“I particularly welcome the Committee’s recommendations to improve data on the number of households living in fuel poverty, which will provided a clearer picture of the true extent of this issue and its impact, and for new interim targets to deliver improvements.

“However, I would have also liked to have seen a stronger response from the Committee to calls from myself and other key organisations for the Welsh Government to examine the ways it could provide financial support to older people following changes to the Winter Fuel Payment system. There is a precedent for this with the Welsh Government having previously provided additional support to low income households for fuel costs.

“I look forward to seeing the Welsh Government’s response to the report and its recommendations, which I hope will lead to meaningful action to tackle fuel poverty and ensure older people can afford to keep themselves warm and well.”