Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Northern Ireland faces significant challenges with high energy costs, making affordability a critical issue for many households. The recent trends indicate that despite some decrease, prices remain elevated.
Whether he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on recent trends in energy costs in Northern Ireland. Recent data shows that energy costs have remained stubbornly high, affecting access and affordability for consumers across Northern Ireland.
Although energy costs have come down, they remain too high. Our priority is to ensure access to energy is affordable and secure for consumers. That is why this Government have established Great British Energy, which will operate across the whole UK, including Northern Ireland. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy are working together positively on the GB Energy Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific details of discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Northern Ireland's unique energy profile includes heavy reliance on oil for heating, with around two-thirds of homes using it. This context is crucial when discussing changes to winter fuel allowances.
It is a pleasure to see the Minister in her place and I wish her well; we have been friends for some time. She will be aware of Northern Ireland's unique energy profile: we are more heavily dependent and reliant on oil than other nations in the United Kingdom, with some 68% of people in Northern Ireland using oil. Was that taken into consideration when the Government determined to cut the winter fuel allowance? What discussions were had with the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to doing so?
I am aware that two thirds of Northern Ireland's homes use oil. The decision to means test winter fuel payments was not a decision the Government wished to make, but a result of the Conservative's £22 billion black hole. In Northern Ireland, the Executive have decided that winter fuel payments will continue to be paid to households where someone receives pension credit. I have checked the figures; in Northern Ireland it is estimated that over 26,000 people could be eligible for pension credit and the winter fuel payment but are not receiving them. I encourage anyone who is eligible, or knows someone who could be, to check and apply if they can.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific consideration of Northern Ireland's oil dependency was not directly addressed in relation to the decision to cut winter fuel allowances.
Response accuracy