To ask the Minister for Social Development what specific schemes exists to address the issue of fuel poverty in the private rented sector.

My Department provides energy efficiency measures to address the issue of fuel poverty in the private rented sector through the Warm Homes and Affordable Warmth Schemes.

The Warm Homes Scheme has been operational since 2009 and will end on 31 March 2015. To qualify for the Warm Homes Scheme, applicants must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

My Department held a public consultation regarding the new Affordable Warmth Scheme between February and May 2014.

The new Affordable Warmth Scheme was introduced on 15 September 2014. This scheme will actively target households considered to be most at risk of fuel poverty and includes those in low paid work who do not necessarily qualify for benefits. To qualify for the scheme, the gross annual household income must be less than £20,000.

There is evidence that the Warm Homes Scheme improved the energy efficiency of properties of some landlords with large portfolios, over 50 properties in some cases. This was never the intention of the scheme. My Department considers that private landlords have a responsibility to ensure that the properties they are letting have adequate heating systems and adequate insulation. In the case of privately rented properties, the landlord must be registered with my Departments Landlord Registration Scheme and the landlord must contribute 50% towards the cost of the works approved. Where the approved works cost more than the grant limit, my Department will contribute up to 50% of the grant limit.