Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Costs for Disabled People

Wednesday 30 March 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Treasury announced 9.1 billion of support for energy customers, including a bill rebate and a council tax reduction.
  • The household support fund was doubled in the spring statement.
  • The Minister meets regularly with disabled people and disability organisations to address their concerns.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question was prompted by the rising energy costs affecting disabled individuals and the need for targeted support.

Question

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on energy costs for disabled people. The Treasury recently announced £9.1 billion of support for energy customers, including a bill rebate, a council tax reduction and continuing support for the most vulnerable households. Furthermore, a doubling of the household support fund was announced in the spring statement, which is again getting help to where it is needed most.

Answer from Chloe Smith

The Treasury recently announced £9.1 billion of support for energy customers, including a bill rebate, a council tax reduction and continuing support for the most vulnerable households. Furthermore, a doubling of the household support fund was announced in the spring statement, which is again getting help to where it is needed most.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on energy costs for disabled people were not addressed.

How: Provided General Support Measures Without Specifics

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Q2 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Disability charities estimate that the number of disabled people in fuel poverty could double this year. A constituent told the MP about staying in bed to keep warm and skipping meals due to energy costs.

Question

On behalf of the Liberal Democrats, I commend the hon. Member for Bridgend (Dr Wallis) for his bravery in speaking out. We wish him all the best. I think I speak for everyone in the Chamber when I say that we are here to support him. Disability charities estimate that the number of disabled people in fuel poverty could double this year. A constituent recently told me, “I stay in bed to keep warm and to keep up with my energy costs. I skip meals to cope with my grocery costs.” Will the Government and the Minister support our call to reinstate the £1,000 universal credit uplift and to keep in line—

Answer from Chloe Smith

I assure the hon. Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse) that I regularly meet many disabled people and disability organisations. I am aware of this issue and the natural anxiety about rising costs felt by many who live on a fixed income. That is why the Government are already acting in the way I set out.

Not addressed: Specific reinstatement of universal credit uplift was not addressed.

How: Discussed Awareness And General Actions Without Addressing Specific Request

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