£150 Council Tax Energy Rebate 2022-10-17
2022-10-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the need to understand the effectiveness of the council tax energy rebate programme in assisting households facing rising energy bills.
What proportion of eligible households have received the £150 council tax energy rebate in (a) north Northamptonshire and (b) England. The MP notes that while the scheme aims to help with increasing energy costs, data on uptake is needed to assess its success.
As of 31 July 2022, the proportion of estimated eligible households to have received the £150 council tax rebate in north Northamptonshire was 87%, with the figure for England being 86%. The Minister acknowledges local authority progress and expects more recent figures to show further improvements.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to address remaining issues with the current £150 council tax energy rebate, particularly concerning those who have not yet claimed it.
Putting £150 into the pockets of eligible households has provided valuable help to tackle rising energy bills, but 13% of people have still not claimed this money. As the Government now look for more targeted help for people with their energy bills after April 2023, if this scheme is revised and reintroduced, what improvements will be made?
It is always a struggle to get the money out as quickly as possible, especially to those who are not paying by direct debit. Over the summer, I have been working with my officials and have directly spoken to a number of councils that have been a little slower than expected. We have issued guidance on the variety of payment methods and given short extensions to the deadline dates where councils have requested that, including in respect of any uncashed voucher-based payments with the Post Office until 30 November.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked for improvements if the scheme is revised and reintroduced, but the answer focused on past efforts to improve the current process without mentioning future plans or revisions.
Over Review Of Current Process
Work With Officials
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the Chancellor's shift in focus towards business energy support based on efficiencies, which leaves high energy users like Beatson Clark and Liberty Steel uncertain about future support.
This morning, the Chancellor said that his support for business energy costs will focus on efficiencies. Beatson Clark and Liberty Steel in my constituency are high energy users and they have already made every energy efficiency they can. What will the Minister do to protect businesses such as those in my constituency with this shift in policy?
I thank the hon. Lady for that comment. When I was in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my colleagues there were always working with those energy-intensive industries such as the steel industry and with companies such as Liberty Steel, in her area. It is important that we continue to understand the position and develop the technologies that are needed for the long term, but in the medium term we will work with these industries to make sure we can offer support for those crucial supplies.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about concrete measures to protect businesses like Beatson Clark and Liberty Steel, but the answer was more focused on long-term technology development rather than immediate protection or support.
Work With Industries
Develop Technologies
Response accuracy