Energy efficiency and consumer protection

That this House notes that UK homes are amongst the least energy efficient in Europe, with low energy efficiency and high energy costs being particularly problematic in rural areas; acknowledges that living in fuel poverty causes significant hardship and suffering; accepts the link between fuel poverty and increased winter mortality; recognises the determined efforts by the Scottish Government to improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty in Scotland through the Warmer Homes Scotland initiative and the availability of Home Energy Scotland loans; welcomes Government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty through schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) but is concerned that the lack of funding and how it is funded needs more consideration; appreciates that more work is needed to help householders pay their bills, increase energy security, stimulate economic growth and tackle climate change; remains concerned about the failings in oversight associated with the Government’s Green Deal which resulted in thousands of householders being mis-sold government-backed energy efficiency measures, with consumer concerns persisting about Home Energy and Lifestyle Management Systems (HELMS); appreciates that such cases erode consumer confidence in government-backed energy efficiency schemes; notes with concern complaints about sales techniques and poor workmanship of companies engaged under the ECO; and calls on the Government to review and monitor the oversight of such schemes to ensure they are as robust as they can be, with sufficient protections in place for householders in which they can have full confidence.