“One of my priorities in recent months has been those living off the gas grid, and those who live in park homes. When the Government announced its plans to cap energy costs, those who rely on heating oil were originally only offered £100. Along with a number of Conservative colleagues, we’ve now seen that figure double to £200. This is great news.

However, it was important to go into battle again – this time on behalf of those living in park homes who pay their electricity bill to the owner of the park home site, rather than directly to the electricity company. It looked as though they were going to lose out on the £400 Energy Support Payment however – in another small win – the Minister replied to my question in the House of Commons last week to confirm that the payment will be given directly to residents. The minister added that the scheme will open for applications in January 2023 and will be processed by Powys County Council.

But while we need to provide immediate financial support, it’s vital that we iron out our energy problems for the long-term. This means addressing the energy efficiency of our homes.

Insulation is the best way to reduce energy consumption and help families save hundreds of pounds a year. That’s why the Government has announced a new ECO+ scheme which will be launched in spring next year. It will provide funding for those living in homes with poor energy efficiency to install energy saving measures such as loft-lagging or thermostat valves. It will apply to those who live in council tax homes banded A-C, who do not benefit from any other government home improvement schemes.

The scheme will run for up to three years and will require energy suppliers to help low income, fuel poor and vulnerable households to heat their homes by offering energy efficiency home improvements. This is absolutely the right thing to do – particularly for our part of the world. Houses in Brecon and Radnorshire may look beautiful but they were never designed to hold onto warmth and energy. As well as weaning ourselves off an outdated energy market which is subject to the whims of foreign countries, housing improvements will make the long-term difference.”