Environment Minister, John Griffiths has announced an additional £13m to help keep Welsh homes warm.

The money will be divided between the Welsh Government's two flagship fuel poverty schemes, Nest and Arbed, both of which target investment at those people most in need of help.

Speaking at the launch of Big Energy Savings Week at Bridgend shopping outlet, McArthur Glen, the Minister said: "Rising energy costs and the current economic conditions mean that too many people in Wales are becoming vulnerable to fuel poverty.

"The Welsh Government is committed taking action to tackle this issue, and that is why Nest, our fuel poverty scheme targets investment at those people most at risk.

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"Latest figures show that since April 2011 Nest has provided advice and support to over 15000 households to help them reduce their bills and has funded energy saving improvement in around 5600 homes. These improvement packages really do make a difference, resulting in an average saving of £500 per household so I am delighted that we have been able to allocate significant additional money to such a beneficial scheme.

"The £13m will be shared between Nest and our strategic energy scheme Arbed which in its first phase helped to make 6000 homes in some of Wales poorest areas more energy efficient. We are now moving into Arbed’s second phase and expect it to benefit a further 5000 homes plus by 2016.

"Both Nest and Arbed make a genuine difference to the quality of life of Welsh householders, resulting in warmer homes and reduced fuel bills, and I am delighted that we are able to maintain our investment in tackling fuel poverty at this economically difficult time."

The Environment Minister confirmed that that the draft budget for 2013-14 included an additional £10m for improving domestic energy and that £5m additional capital would be used in both 2013-14 and 2014-15 for the Nest and Arbed schemes. He said the money would improve the energy efficiency of 1600 Welsh homes.

(CD)