Wales Office

More than 1.2 million households in Wales could benefit from a package of energy-busting measures announced by the Prime Minister today.

The multi-million pound package will help householders make savings of up to £300 a year on energy bills. It includes an increase in Cold Winter Payments for pensioners and benefit claimants from £8.50 to £25 a week, plus savings of at least 50 per cent on loft and cavity wall insulation for every household in the country.

Welcoming the announcement, Secretary of State for Wales Paul Murphy said: “The package of measures being announced today is not only about helping households reduce their energy bills now but is also about creating long-term solutions to the high energy bills people are facing.

“Households can make savings of up to £300 a year on their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Every household in the country can now have at least 50 per cent off loft and cavity wall insulation, with households on qualifying benefits or those over 70 benefiting from insulation measures for free.

“The Cold Weather Payments will be tripled for this winter from £8.50 to £25 a week. This will help some of the most vulnerable people pay their energy bills. This rise is on top of the additional payment of £50 or £100 announced in the Budget to be paid alongside the Winter Fuel Payment.

“A new Community Energy Saving Programme will also help some of the most deprived areas of Wales. Local councils, voluntary organisations and energy suppliers will go to individual streets offering free and discounted central heating, energy efficiency measures and benefit checks.”

Speaking about the role energy companies themselves have to play, Mr Murphy added: “Ofgem is currently undertaking a detailed review of the competitiveness of the UK energy market. If there is any evidence of anti-competitive or abusive behaviour in the market the Government will not hesitate to take whatever action is needed to protect customers.

“As a Government we want to do all that we can to ease the concerns many people have over rising energy bills. The package of measures announced today shows our commitment to reducing energy bills for all households in Wales. I hope people will now take advantage of the measures available to them to make their homes more energy efficient.”

The Government will run a national TV and press information campaign to publicise what help is available. A helpline number is available on 0800 512012.