To ask the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of homes that will be targeted by the Affordable Warmth Scheme; and the average annual savings this will generate for his Department.

The Affordable Warmth Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency of at least 9,000 low income households each year. This target is the same as was in place for the Warm Homes Scheme and has been consistently exceeded. The Affordable Warmth Scheme will target and assist households most at risk of fuel poverty.

The scheme was launched in September 2014 and although at an early stage is already being effectively delivered across all council areas. I have allocated £16.5 million to the Affordable Warmth Scheme for the 2015/16 year the same amount as was allocated to the Warm Homes Scheme in 2014/2015.