Impact of Energy Costs on Disabled People 2024-10-09
2024-10-09
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Energy bills are a significant concern for many, especially for disabled individuals who face higher expenses due to necessary equipment like stair lifts or oxygen tanks. The cost of energy has risen sharply.
What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the cost of energy on disabled people?
We understand that energy bills are a concern for many people. We believe that the only way to protect bill payers permanently, including disabled people, is to accelerate the green transition to home-grown clean energy. We continue to work closely with energy suppliers to ensure that vulnerable customers are supported.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or funding commitments for supporting disabled individuals facing high energy costs.
We Believe
We Understand
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Scope research estimates that disabled households in Carshalton and Wallington face bills up to £1,500 a month more than the average household. Additionally, these households are less likely to claim available benefits.
In my constituency of Carshalton and Wallington, Scope research estimates that disabled households face bills of up to £1,500 a month more than the average household. We also know that disabled households are much less likely to claim the benefits that they are entitled to. Has the Government Equalities Office made any assessment of the potential disproportionate impact on disabled households of cutting the winter fuel allowance?
Equality analysis was released in September, and the Government carried out our statutory duties in doing so, but I recognise the wider concerns that the hon. Member raises, especially around the additional costs faced by many disabled people. That is why the Minister for Energy Consumers, my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham (Miatta Fahnbulleh) recently met suppliers to address some of these issues. I encourage all those who need extra support to sign up to the priority services register.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about the equality analysis or concrete measures addressing disproportionate impacts on disabled households.
Equality Analysis Was Released In September
I Recognise The Wider Concerns
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are growing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in various government departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions. A recent United Nations report highlighted issues with AI governance.
Disabled people are also concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in Departments under the previous Government, including within the Department for Work and Pensions. Given the recent United Nations report on AI governance, what discussions has the Minister had with other colleagues across different Departments on the equity principles that will be integrated in the Government's use of AI?
Discussions are ongoing across government, including with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. There are wider opportunities and challenges that technology presents us, and we want to ensure we get the balance right.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about ongoing discussions or concrete equity principles being integrated into AI usage.
Discussions Are Ongoing
We Want To Ensure
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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DWP statistics show that 45% of people over the state pension age have a disability. These individuals often incur additional energy costs due to equipment requirements.
Further to the question that my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean) asked, DWP statistics show that 45% of people over the state pension age have a disability. As we have already heard, they can face hugely inflated energy costs because of the need for equipment such as stair lifts, extra fridges or oxygen tanks, all of which demand electricity. In the discussions that the Minister has outlined, have the Government given any consideration to the introduction of a social tariff to help mitigate the extra costs that disabled people face in this country?
The hon. Lady will recognise the difficult state of the public finances that we inherited and the tough choices that were necessary to stabilise our economy. Those decisions were not easy. My hon. Friend the Minister for Energy Consumers is leading on much of this work to ensure we secure a fairer deal for all consumers, because we want to ensure that all support is targeted at the most vulnerable groups who need support this winter.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about discussions regarding social tariffs or any concrete measures being considered.
Tough Choices
Difficult State Of Public Finances
Response accuracy