Energy Bills Support for Households 2023-02-07

2023-02-07

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the rising energy prices and their impact on household budgets, particularly focusing on fiscal measures to mitigate these costs.
What fiscal steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support households with energy bills?
The Government have taken significant action to help households with rising energy prices. The energy price guarantee caps the unit price that households pay for electricity and gas, saving a typical household in Great Britain approximately £900 this winter, based on forecasts made at the time of the autumn statement. This is in addition to the £400 energy bills support scheme paid in six instalments from October last year to March this year.
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Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The MP emphasizes the disproportionate impact of high energy prices on those with lower incomes and inquires about specific steps to assist them.
The high price of energy disproportionately affects those who are on the lowest incomes. Will my hon. Friend outline what steps his Department is taking to ensure that those who earn the least are supported?
My hon. Friend is a consistent champion for his constituents, particularly those on the lowest incomes who have faced tough challenges due to global inflationary pressures. In addition to the £1,300 that a typical household will receive this winter—the £900 energy price guarantee saving and the £400 energy bills support scheme payment—I confirm that households receiving benefits will have received £650 in the current financial year and will receive £900 next year.
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Q3 Partial Answer
Andrew Gwynne Ind
Gorton and Denton
Context
The MP highlights the severe financial strain faced by hospices due to a significant increase in energy costs even after the Government's energy bill relief scheme ends in March.
Support for households is incredibly important, but Willow Wood Hospice has contacted me about their plight with up to a fivefold increase in energy bills. What more can the Minister do to ensure that hospices and charities get the extra support they need?
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important case; I am more than happy for him to write to me with specifics. When we set up the energy bill relief scheme—the original scheme currently providing up to £18 billion of support not only for businesses, but for hospices, charities and public sector organisations—we were clear it could not be sustained at that level. It is extremely expensive, though important and generous. In setting it up, we had choices; we chose a universal scheme, meaning hospices continue to benefit.
Assessment & feedback
The minister did not provide new support measures beyond the existing relief scheme.
I Am More Than Happy For Him To Write To Me With Specifics
Response accuracy