To ask the Minister for Social Development to explain the very low number of installations of energy efficiency measures under the Affordable Warmth Scheme, in contrast to the Warm Homes Scheme.

The Affordable Warmth Scheme is a new, whole house, comprehensive energy efficiency scheme which became fully operational on 1 April 2015. While introduced as a replacement to Warm Homes, the Affordable Warmth Scheme is fundamentally different. The number of completed works for the scheme reflects the short period of time the scheme has been fully operational and the fact that the applicant has up to 3 months to have the required works undertaken through a contractor of their choice and at a time of their choosing.