Mr. Robert Deegan:

That is correct, yes. When those three supports are taken together, we think we are addressing the key issues in the rental sector. The tax incentive was in response to consultations with the landlords. That is what they said they needed to address their homes. It is a very challenging area. We will need to see how this combination of measures works and then analyse whether we need to do anything further or different.

On the previous question about short- and medium-term measures for people who are not sufficiently up the queue for the warmer homes scheme or cannot afford a retrofit, information and communication, and people making small behavioural changes, can make a huge difference through things like the energy kits. When I worked with Ms Corcoran's colleagues on the energy poverty scheme and the poverty action plan, we tried to ensure we provided something for every cohort of people that is struggling. Some people cannot afford anything in terms of investing in their property so for that cohort information is probably is key as well as financial supports while they await the free upgrade as part of the warmer homes scheme. The energy kits available from local libraries provide information on where heat is being lost in a house.

In response to the point made about appliances, people can buy an adaptor for plugs that measures the energy used by a fridge, dryer or washing machine. The adaptor allows people to identify the appliances that use all of the energy and then people can adjust their behaviour as needs be or people can focus their expenditure on replacing the high-energy use appliance, which might not always be the most obvious one. There are communication campaigns such as the Stay Warm and Well campaign, which encourage people to look after themselves while keeping an eye on their energy use and using energy as well as possible. It is, therefore, about information and communication, and then sustainable energy communities, SECs, where people are active in their communities looking at their energy use and what they can do about it.