Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Energy: People with Disabilities

Monday 5 December 2022 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers assess policy proposals across Government to support low-income and disabled people with rising costs.
  • The Government is spending 37 billion this year and 26 billion next year to support those affected by high energy costs.
  • The Chancellor announced future work to consider social tariffs to help families deal with significant ongoing costs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Discussion on the adequacy of benefits to support disabled individuals with rising energy costs.

Question

What assessment has been made by Cabinet colleagues regarding the adequacy of benefit levels to help disabled people cope with high energy costs?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

Ministers discuss policy proposals across Government. The Government is spending £37 billion this year and committing to a further £26 billion next year to support low-income and disabled people with rising costs, including cost of living payments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific evaluation requested was not provided; instead, general figures were given without addressing the adequacy assessment directly.

How: General Figures

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

300,000 disabled individuals lost eligibility for the warm home discount scheme, affecting their finances.

Question

Earlier this year, 300,000 disabled people were removed from the warm home discount scheme. What does the Minister have to say to these worried individuals who now miss out on £150 support?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

I am happy to raise eligibility issues with Ministers. This Government provides comprehensive support worth £37 billion this year and £26 billion next year, including discretionary help for specific needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about worried individuals was not directly addressed; instead, broad support measures were mentioned.

How: Comprehensive Package

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Q3 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Benefits & Welfare Standards & Ethics
Context

Since 2010, social security support was reduced by £34 billion. The Equality and Human Rights Commission highlighted the need for a section 23 agreement but it has not been implemented.

Question

The Department for Work and Pensions should enter into a section 23 agreement as identified by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. When will this agreement be presented?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

As described to the Work and Pensions Committee, Ministers continue constructive engagement on the section 23 issue and will update as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeline for agreement was not provided; instead, ongoing engagement was noted without a concrete date.

How: Constructive Engagement

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Q4 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Disabled people struggle with high energy bills, impacting their ability to maintain life-saving equipment.

Question

Many disabled individuals face significant sacrifices due to high energy costs. For instance, Carolynne Hunter's daughter Freya requires oxygen and incurred £17,000 in bills, which were covered by Kate Winslet's donation. When will the Government ensure all disabled people receive necessary support?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

I thank the shadow Minister for raising this issue. The Chancellor announced in the autumn statement future work considering social tariffs to help families deal with significant ongoing costs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: A long-term consideration was noted but no immediate commitment or timeline was given for addressing current needs.

How: Future Work

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