Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Warm Home Discount 2025-06-19

19 June 2025 · 20 other contributors

Opened by Miatta Fahnbulleh Con Peckham

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

At a glance

Miatta Fahnbulleh raised concerns about warm home discount 2025-06-19 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister emphasized expanding Warm Home Discount to assist over 6 million households this winter.
  • Previously, around 3 million people received a 150 rebate but many were excluded due to 2022 criteria.
  • Expansion aims to increase coverage of fuel-poor households from 30% to around 45%.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Miatta Fahnbulleh Con Peckham

Minister emphasised the expansion of the Warm Home Discount to assist millions more households with their energy bills this winter. She stated that previously, around 3 million people received a £150 rebate but due to criteria introduced by the previous Government in 2022, many were excluded despite facing similar circumstances. The Minister announced that every household where the bill payer receives a means-tested benefit will be eligible for the Warm Home Discount this winter, covering an additional 2.7 million low-income households. In total, more than 6 million households—one in five families—will receive vital support. This expansion aims to increase coverage of fuel-poor households from 30% under the current scheme to around 45%. The Minister also highlighted her commitment to restoring consumer confidence and ensuring a reformed energy market works in the interests of consumers.

Other contributors (20)
  • Joy Morrissey Con Beaconsfield

    The shadow minister criticised the Government's energy policy, stating that bills have risen by almost £300 since last year despite promises. She questioned how this expansion would be funded and whether it will lead to increased levies on everyone’s energy bills. Morrissey also highlighted inefficiencies in the system and warned about future costs related to balancing the grid. She accused the Government of delivering more subsidies, levies, and costs added to everyone's bills under the ideology of net zero rather than making energy bills lower for families.

  • Luke Murphy Lab Basingstoke

    The Labour MP welcomed the Minister’s statement but criticised it as a distraction from the previous Government's failure. He highlighted issues with data sharing between suppliers and the government, making it difficult for many families to access benefits. Additionally, he asked about continued efforts to bring down electricity costs for both consumers and businesses.

  • Claire Young LD Thornbury and Yate

    Welcomed investment in warm homes but criticised previous government policies that left many vulnerable people in cold, damp homes. Called for a ten-year plan for home insulation with free insulation for lower-income households. Proposed a full zero carbon standard for new builds following the government's acceptance of solar panels mandate.

  • Zubir Ahmed Lab Glasgow South West

    Welcomed the Minister’s announcement, highlighting that it will benefit 240,000 people in Scotland. Encouraged engagement with Scottish Government to ensure they follow suit.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Asked about the gap between estimated living costs and what food banks believe is necessary for survival, seeking details on how measures like the warm home discount aim to close this gap.

  • Pamela Nash Lab Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke

    Welcomed expansion of support in Scotland benefiting 240,000 people. Emphasised pride in the Government's efforts to build a strong economy on clean energy.

  • James Wild Con North West Norfolk

    Inquired about park home residents receiving the extended £150 discount and funding availability without limitations.

  • Johanna Baxter Lab Paisley and Renfrewshire South

    Welcomed the statement on warm home discount expansion, requesting more information on proposed debt relief schemes targeting energy crisis-related debts.

  • Tom Gordon LD Harrogate and Knaresborough

    Asked about support for off-grid households in rural areas to ensure they do not miss out on the benefits of warm home discount plans.

  • Gregor Poynton Lab Livingston

    Celebrated the UK Labour Government’s commitment and delivery, highlighting 240,000 Scottish families benefiting from £150 off their bills this winter.

  • Miatta Fahnbulleh Lab Minister of State for Energy Security and Chief Whip

    Fuel poverty is an absolute scourge, and we must work hard to eliminate it. The Minister outlined the Government’s two-pronged approach: delivering bill support through the expansion of the warm home discount, which will benefit many more households; and ensuring homes are upgraded with £1 billion invested this year to deliver 300,000 upgrades. She also mentioned a commitment to £13.2 billion over the course of this Parliament for millions of upgrades.

  • Ellie Chowns Green North Herefordshire

    The Minister’s announcement is very welcome and will make a real difference, though Ellie Chowns questioned why spending review documents show that more than a third of the £13.2 billion is expected to be repaid by households.

  • Deirdre Costigan Lab Ealing Southall

    The Minister’s statement was welcomed, noting that over half a million more Londoners will benefit from a £150 discount on energy bills this winter. Deirdre highlighted Labour’s initiatives including free breakfast clubs, minimum wage increases, and free childcare as examples of putting money back into the pockets of working people.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The Minister was thanked for her statement and answers. Jim Shannon confirmed that Northern Ireland is included in this help for the vulnerable and those in poverty, with work being co-ordinated through Barnett consequentials.

  • Sam Rushworth Lab Bishop Auckland

    The Minister was thanked for the decision to double the number of households receiving £150 off their energy bills. Sam suggested writing to families who may not know they are entitled to the discount to ensure everyone benefits.

  • Gordon McKee Lab Glasgow South

    The Minister was welcomed for her statement and asked to assure that the Government will continue working hard to deliver lower energy bills for families in Glasgow.

  • Tom Hayes Lab Bournemouth East

    The Minister’s focus on clean, home-grown energy as a long-term solution was welcomed. Tom highlighted the need for immediate support and asked about tackling the cost of living crisis.

  • Amanda Martin Lab Portsmouth North

    Congratulated the Government on supporting families on the lowest incomes through changes like the warm home discount, £150 credit, and additional funds for the household support fund. Amanda urged energy providers and councils to promote these vital supports.

  • Chris Vince Lab/Co-op Harlow

    Thanked the Minister for her statement that will help a quarter of a million households in the east of England, highlighting the importance of green energy solutions. Chris asked about decisions like removing the ban on onshore wind.

  • When we came into government we set a mission to deliver clean power by 2030. We removed the ban on onshore wind, invested record amounts in nuclear energy, and held a record renewables auction. This is being done not because of ideology but because we inherited an energy system that was not working for consumers. Our goal is to reduce energy bills.

Government Response

The Minister defended her Government’s energy policy, stating that the current reliance on global fossil fuel markets under previous conservative governments led to rising bills. She committed to reducing energy bills by £300 through investment in clean power and stated that this policy is not about ideology but supporting families across Britain. The expansion of Warm Home Discount will be paid for via savings within supplier operating costs and debt allowance reductions, ensuring no other households' bills increase. Minister emphasised a long-term plan for home insulation including solar panels and heat pumps, aiming to deliver homes that are warmer and cheaper. Announced an investment of £13.2 billion in the warm homes plan by the Chancellor, committed to driving forward future homes standards using clean solutions. Fuel poverty is an absolute scourge, and we must work hard to eliminate it. We are expanding the warm home discount, investing £1 billion in upgrades this year, committing to £13.2 billion over the Parliament to deliver millions of upgrades, providing loans to suppliers which they will pay back over time, delivering clean power to lower bills by up to £600.

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