Issue - meetings

The Chairman reported on the above project which had been an extensive piece of work based in Rotherham, the findings of which could possibly have an impact nationally.

Responses had been submitted to 3 national consultations using the data and findings from the KWILLT project as follows:-

-        Hills Review – an independent review of fuel poverty definitions and targets was currently underway commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.  KWILLT research had a number of findings which could provide vital evidence to inform the review and hopefully future policy

-        Ofgem Retail Market Review – this demonstrated that further action was needed to make energy retail markets in Great Britain work more effectively in the interests of consumers.  KWILLT study findings had been provided to indicate how vulnerable people were susceptible to some of the problems they raised in the review

-        Call for evidence by the Energy Bill Committee – KWILLT had provided evidence from the findings to indicate how vulnerable older people may respond to the Green Deal and how some aspects may contribute to health inequalities experienced by vulnerable older people

The challenge now was turning the findings into practical steps and the importance of understanding the barriers to people keeping warm.

An All Members seminar was to be held on 1^st November, 2011 as well as a conference to be held on 19^th September, 2011.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.