Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Costs: Fiscal Support 2022-12-20 (2)

Tuesday 20 December 2022 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department has introduced measures to cap energy bills at 3,000 for this year and 2,500 for next year to support families.
  • Ofgem's energy price cap covers all prepayment meter customers to ensure fair pricing, and licence conditions require extra support for vulnerable customers.
  • Park home residents can apply online for support from January, with details on further support after April to be announced early in the new year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andy Carter
Economy Energy
Context

No specific event or statistic was mentioned, but the question is about recent fiscal steps taken by the Department to help families.

Question

What recent fiscal steps has his Department taken to support families with the cost of energy bills?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

We have reaffirmed our commitment to help hard-pressed families this winter with support for energy bills. We have introduced a range of measures, including capping energy bills at £3,000 this year and £2,500 next year.

Answered
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Q2 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Energy
Context

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has called for a ban on the installation of prepayment meters made under court warrants due to fears that energy suppliers are using them to disconnect poor and indebted customers.

Question

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has called for an immediate ban on the installation of prepayment meters made under court warrants because of fears that energy suppliers are using them to disconnect the poorest and most indebted customers by the back door. Citizens Advice said 450,000 people could be switched to prepayment meters due to debt this year. What will the Chancellor do to support people in that grave situation?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

There are 4.1 million people across the country on prepayment meters, with Ofgem's energy price cap covering all prepayment meter customers to ensure fair pricing. Licence conditions require extra support for vulnerable customers. We will continue to monitor the situation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for an immediate ban on installations and specific support measures, but the answer provided general statements about existing protections and monitoring without direct commitments or timelines.

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Q3 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Benefits & Welfare
Context

A significant number of constituents living in park homes or on boats are concerned about their energy bills, fearing they have been forgotten by the government.

Question

When is the £400 payment of support likely to be made to people in park homes and on boats, and what support will be available from April onwards?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

Park home residents can apply online for the support from January. The specific details on support after April will be announced early in the new year.

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Q4 Andy Carter
Energy
Context

Voluntary groups, including Scouts and Guides, in Warrington South have seen their energy costs increase by five times over the past year.

Question

What steps are the Government taking to support charity and voluntary organisations with increased energy costs?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

This winter, the Energy Business Relief Scheme is providing £18 billion of support for businesses and charities. Further details will be announced early in the new year about ongoing support after April.

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Q5 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Economy
Context

The Treasury Committee published a report last week regarding the cost of living support announced for next winter.

Question

Has the Chancellor read the Treasury Committee's report about the cost of living support, and what are his reflections on their points about potential cliff edges in that £900 support?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

I have read a summary of their report. We are offering extra support amounting to £13 billion next year, including energy bills support. The point about cliff edges is important; we will reflect on it carefully.

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