Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, for what reasons Northern Ireland has been excluded from the Warm Home Discount Scheme; and if he will amend this Scheme to extend its remit to Northern Ireland.

Fuel poverty is devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive, which decides its own fuel poverty objectives and policies. For example, the Department for Social Development offers energy efficiency improvement schemes for low income households through the Warm Homes Scheme, Boiler Replacement Scheme and the recently launched Affordable Warmth Scheme. There are no plans to extend the remit of the Warm Home Discount to Northern Ireland.