To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to have removed the nation's vulnerable customers from fuel poverty. [HL3331]

The Government's fuel poverty strategy brings together policies that target the three main factors that influence fuel poverty—household energy efficiency, fuel prices and household income. The strategy's strong package of programmes and measures addresses all three factors.

Rising energy prices in particular have made achieving our fuel poverty targets more difficult. The current mix of fuel poverty measures is unlikely to eradicate fuel poverty among the vulnerable by 2010. However, the Government continue to do all that is reasonably practicable to tackle fuel poverty amongst all members of society.

In light of recent market developments and the Government's more ambitious aims on reducing carbon emissions, DECC is currently undertaking a review of its fuel poverty policies. Initial findings of this review are expected this summer.