Off-grid Homes: Energy Support
Debate between Fay Jones and Richard Foord(1 year, 6 months ago)
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Fay Jones
As I say, we discussed this in great depth on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, and I hope we continue to do so. I am not aware of any modelling, but I am keen for the Government to explore all options to see how this can be rectified. All hon. Members are keen to ensure parity.
There is a feeling of unfairness among the many rural households across the country that we collectively represent.
Richard Foord (Tiverton and Honiton) (LD)
It is vital that those who live off grid, of whom there are 12,000 in my part of the west country, get additional support to reflect their increased vulnerability to price rises. That includes those who use heating oil, those who live in park homes and those who use solid fuels. The £100 offered by the Government simply does not come close to the scale of price increases we have seen, but I am concerned about the speed—
Richard Foord
Any additional support should reach households quickly. Does the hon. Lady agree?
Fay Jones
I think the Government have done extremely well—the issue of park homes has been rectified, and I firmly commend them for that—but I want to see further support for off-gas-grid homes.
The Government mobilised a rapid response to the energy crisis earlier this autumn and are supporting all households through a variety of means. This is the right thing to do and I commend the Government for their approach. However, I am concerned that not enough is being done to support rural households.