Written questions by Bailey.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure that (a) installers and (b) other businesses within the ECO supply chain are paid (i) appropriately and (ii) promptly for completed works.

Awaiting answer.

What oversight mechanisms are in place in relation to (a) payment delays, (b) retentions and (c) wider commercial practices by obligated suppliers within the ECO scheme supply chain.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to provide support to energy efficiency (a) SMEs and (b) microbusinesses dependent on ECO scheme funding.

The Government recognises that ending ECO presents challenges for the supply chain. The Government will support the transition to opportunities provided by the Warm Homes Plan, including new regulations for renters and new builds treating millions of homes, and the additional £1.5 billion for upgrading low-income households. For this additional funding, the Government will use the procurement regime to support local supply chains and small businesses, working closely with the retrofit sector, housing associations and local authorities. Officials are working with the Department for Business and Trade to develop support for employees and companies in the construction sector.

What progress he has made on establishing the Warm Homes Agency.

Following the announcement of the Warm Homes Agency, officials have been working with relevant stakeholders, including Ofgem, Salix, devolved governments and local authorities, to develop the design, scope and functions of the Agency. We will further develop the specifications for the functions that the Agency will deliver during 2026, with the Warm Homes Agency beginning initial operations in 2027.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of ending the ECO scheme on energy efficiency sector workers and businesses.

The Government recognises that ending ECO presents challenges for the supply chain. The Government will support the transition to opportunities provided by the Warm Homes Plan, including new regulations for renters and new builds treating millions of homes, and the additional £1.5 billion for upgrading low-income households. For this additional funding, the Government will use the procurement regime to support local supply chains and small businesses, working closely with the retrofit sector, housing associations and local authorities. Officials are working with the Department for Business and Trade to develop support for employees and companies in the construction sector.

What progress he has made on establishing the Warm Homes Plan workforce.

The Warm Homes Plan will create high-quality jobs and boost innovation to deliver economic growth. The government, in partnership with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has established the Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce to facilitate the transition, creation and growth of a diverse, skilled and resilient workforce for existing workers and new entrants. The Taskforce held its inaugural meeting in January this year. The Taskforce supports the government’s ambition to make sure the additional 180,000 jobs in energy efficiency and clean heating, created by the Warm Homes Plan, will be high-quality, well-paid and future-proofed.

What funding is currently available for energy efficiency retrofitting of insulation for low-income households; and what funding will be available through the (a) Warm Homes Plan and (b) other scheme after December 2026.

The £15 billion investment in the Warm Homes Plan includes £5 billion allocated to low-income households, delivered initially through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) and the Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG). These continue to provide fabric measures, alongside clean heat, solar panels and other bill saving measures for low-income households and those in social housing, to improve thermal comfort, cut bills and reduce fuel poverty. From 2027/28, we intend to integrate the WH:SHF and WH:LG into a single low-income capital scheme which will shift toward area-based delivery. We will say more about the evolution of low-income schemes by Spring 2026.

What estimate he has made of the number of SMEs and microbusinesses in the energy efficiency sector and wider supply chains that are dependent on ECO scheme funding.

The Government recognises that ending ECO presents challenges for the supply chain. The Government will support the transition to opportunities provided by the Warm Homes Plan, including new regulations for renters and new builds treating millions of homes, and the additional £1.5 billion for upgrading low-income households. For this additional funding, the Government will use the procurement regime to support local supply chains and small businesses, working closely with the retrofit sector, housing associations and local authorities. Officials are working with the Department for Business and Trade to develop support for employees and companies in the construction sector.

When he plans to respond to correspondence from the hon. Member for Salford of 11 September 2025 on the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme.

The letter in question was transferred to this Department and issues raised were addressed in a response issued on 15 October. The 15 October letter was a response to correspondence received from my hon Friend on 11 September 2025 and 17 September on the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme.