Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Bills: Impact on Disabled People

Wednesday 8 March 2023 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department is talking to a range of stakeholders to assess evidence and options for a more targeted approach to consumer protection from April 2024.
  • Disabled households lost out on the 150 warm home discount scheme due to changes in eligibility criteria, affecting more than 200,000 people including those in North Shropshire.
  • The Government have been committed to supporting disabled people in the cost of living crisis, and will be meeting and discussing it.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from concerns about the impact of rising energy costs on disabled individuals, a vulnerable group facing unique challenges in accessing financial support.

Question

Whether she has had recent discussions with her Cabinet colleagues on the impact of energy bills on disabled people. The Department is talking to a range of stakeholders to assess evidence and options for a more targeted approach to consumer protection from April 2024.

Answer from Amanda Solloway

The Department is talking to a range of stakeholders to assess evidence and options for a more targeted approach to consumer protection from April 2024.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of energy bills on disabled people were not addressed

How: Talking About Stakeholder Engagement Without Addressing Specific Cabinet Discussions

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Q2 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
NHS Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

More than 200,000 disabled households have lost out on the £150 warm home discount scheme due to a change in eligibility criteria. This affects individuals who require additional energy for medical equipment and heating their homes.

Question

Disabled households lost out on the £150 warm home discount scheme due to changes in eligibility criteria, affecting more than 200,000 people including those in North Shropshire. Disabled people often need extra energy costs for specialist equipment and warmer homes. With no appeals process available, will the Minister review this issue and work with Members next year?

Answer from Amanda Solloway

The Government have been committed to supporting disabled people—a whole range of people—in the cost of living crisis. As I have mentioned, we will be meeting and discussing it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific review of the eligibility criteria for the warm home discount scheme was not addressed

How: Acknowledging Support For Disabled People Without Providing Specific Plans To Address The Issue

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