Domestic Energy Costs 2022-10-12
2022-10-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows a statement about Scottish domestic energy costs compared to the rest of the UK.
If he will make a comparative assessment with Cabinet colleagues of domestic energy costs in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
The Government's recently announced energy price guarantee will support households with their energy bills across the whole United Kingdom, including in Scotland. This decisive action will save the typical household at least £1,000 a year for the next two years.
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Assessment & feedback
The comparative assessment requested between Scotland and the rest of the UK was not provided.
Discussed The Uk-Wide Support Instead
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows up on previous discussions about Scottish renewable energy plans abandoned by the Scottish Government.
May I follow up on the question that my hon. Friend the Member for Hove asked about the Scottish Government's decision to abandon their plans? Will the Minister confirm what discussions he has had with his Scottish counterparts about ensuring Scotland's renewable potential directly benefits people in Scotland and the UK, given the lower cost of renewable energy?
As I have said, Ministers in the Scotland Office discuss such matters regularly with our colleagues in other Departments. Energy policy is reserved, as I am sure the hon. Member will understand, but we endeavour to work constructively with the Scottish Government on everything that can impact people and communities in Scotland, as well as businesses.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific confirmation of discussions was not given.
Discussed General Policy Cooperation Instead
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the UK Government's decision to sideline the Acorn carbon capture project in Scotland.
One of the most critical ways of reducing domestic energy costs is by supporting renewable energy generation and carbon reduction efforts. The UK Government chose to sideline the Acorn project in the north-east of Scotland, while the Scottish Government refused financing. Will the Secretary of State encourage his Cabinet colleagues to fund the Acorn project?
The hon. Lady may be aware, the Acorn cluster looms large in my own constituency, so I have nothing but the greatest support for that project. This Government have invested £41 million directly in the project and it is also the reserve cluster in the Track-1 sequence.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific encouragement or funding commitment was not provided.
Referred To Existing Support Without Addressing The Ask For Further Action
Response accuracy