Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Social Energy Tariff

06 February 2024 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Marion Fellows Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney

TaxationEnergyNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Marion Fellows raised concerns about social energy tariff in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Government has committed to developing a new approach to consumer protection in the energy market, including social tariffs, since autumn 2022.
  • No consultation on social energy tariffs has materialised by February 2024, despite repeated promises.
  • Organisations advocate for a social energy tariff to support low-income and disabled households facing rising energy costs.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Marion Fellows Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney

The Government has repeatedly committed to developing a new approach to consumer protection in the energy market, including social tariffs. Despite multiple promises since autumn 2022, no consultation has materialised by February 2024, leaving many low-income and disabled households struggling. A social energy tariff would offer targeted support through reduced bills for vulnerable households amid rising energy costs. Numerous organisations advocate for this measure due to the critical need during winter 2023-24. The tariff should be additional to existing benefits like the warm home discount, auto-enrolled based on supplier data and DWP records, targeting those who miss out on social security payments. Funding must come from progressive taxation or exemptions for low-income households. Economic benefits include reduced NHS costs due to illnesses caused by cold homes and stimulated local economies.

Other contributors (1)
  • Marion Fellows Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney

    Introduces a Bill requiring the Secretary of State to publish proposals for a social energy tariff, emphasising urgent need amid high bills and debt. Supports include disability groups, consumer groups, local authorities, Ofgem, and energy companies. Energy bills are 61% higher than in 2021; one-third households will spend more this winter, half for poorest. Social tariffs should auto-enrol eligible consumers using supplier data/DWP records, reducing costs to pre-crisis levels.

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