Written question WQ98470

The third sector plays an important role in helping households in fuel poverty through the provision of trusted advice and support, as well as referring people who are likely to be eligible to other services, including our Warm Homes Nest scheme.

I would advise any third sector organisation facing funding issues to contact their local County Voluntary Council as they can provide a range of help and advice on issues such as sustainable funding and governance. All third sector organisations can also access the Funding Wales portal. This is a free to access database that provides information on local, regional and national funding opportunities.

The role the third sector plays is acutely significant currently, given existing levels of fuel poverty in Wales and the conflict in the Middle East causing price shocks across a range of fuels. The Government has already taken decisive action by adjusting our Discretionary Assistance Fund, which is available to people facing extreme financial hardship. We have increased the financial assistance for claims related to heating oil from a maximum of £500 to £750. We will also allow two claims per year, at least three months apart. The Fuel Bank Foundation, with our support, is also providing financial assistance to people with the cost of heating oil. With the UK Government having allocated £3.8 million to the Welsh Government in financial year 2026-27, we are now looking at what more we could do to help a wider group of people who may need our support, but who are not immediately in crisis.