- Cymraeg
- English
12% OF WELSH SOCIAL HOUSING OFF MAINS - WELSH LIB DEMS
November 12, 2009 9:27 AM
New figures compiled by the Welsh Liberal Democrats show that 12% of social housing in Wales is heated by fuels such as heating oil, LPG and electricity, because they are not on mains gas.
Off mains energy has typically been more expensive, and there was a dramatic spike in the cost of heating oil last year that led to users paying nearly twice as much to heat their homes.
The highest proportion of non-mains properties are in Ceredigion (47.3%), Gwynedd (38%) and Powys (32%), but not a single local authority has all of its properties connected to the mains gas network.
Mains gas is also less polluting than most non-mains fuels. Whereas mains gas creates 185 grams of CO2 for each unit of heat created, oil releases 282 grams, coal releases 330 grams and electricity releases a massive 537 grams.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams said:
"People living in social housing are already likely to be under more financial pressure as it is, so if they do have to pay more to heat their homes it is a real concern.
"Mains gas prices have been more stable, and users are able to benefit from the much greater ease of switching suppliers. Users of heating oil and LPG also suffer from having to buy in bulk and are particularly vulnerable to price volatility, a huge concern for those on low incomes.
"These figures show that a significant proportion of the housing stock is not connected to the mains gas network, and it is likely that fuel poverty will be intensified as a result.
"There needs to be an investigation of how this issue is affecting those living in social housing, and how we can support those who face additional costs."
Roger added:
"It won't be possible for all properties to be brought on to the mains, but the Government and the National Grid must work with local authorities to get as many council owned properties on the gas network as possible.
"This is a matter which so far hasn't had much attention, and I hope that in light of these figures, there will be a renewed effort towards reducing fuel poverty for those in social housing."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats