Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Bills

Wednesday 6 December 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

  • Alex Cunningham asked about recent discussions on the cost of energy bills in Wales.
  • The Minister responded that regular discussions on energy bills and cost of living pressures occur with Cabinet colleagues.
  • The Minister highlighted the UK Government's support for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea as part of renewable energy efforts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Cunningham Lab
Wales Energy
Context

The question arises from discussions about cost-of-living pressures, particularly the high costs associated with energy bills in Wales.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the cost of energy bills in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a variety of issues, including the cost of energy bills. The Government recognise the challenges posed by cost of living pressures, which is why we are providing on average £3,700 per household from 2022-23 to 2024-25 to support households and individuals with the cost of living.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific discussions related to energy bills in Wales were not detailed.

How: General Statement

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Q2 Alex Cunningham Lab
Wales Energy
Context

The question stems from the historical success of the Warm Wales programme, which saw significant improvements in insulation for homes across several regions in Wales.

Question

The Minister may not be aware of the very successful Warm Wales programme in the noughties, which saw tens of thousands of homes have their cavities and lofts insulated, saving residents in Neath, Port Talbot and Wrexham hundreds of pounds every year. Do the Government recognise that concentrated schemes of that nature have a major impact on fuel poverty, and will Ministers steal our plans, which would see hundreds of thousands more households benefit?

Answer from David Davies

I am well aware that there are a number of renewable energy schemes that could have a positive benefit on householders in Wales, which is why the UK Government have been so supportive of the potential for floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea, and why, in the last round, we arranged higher strike prices for tidal energy. We are looking at a wide range of renewable energy systems that can bring benefits to people in Wales. At the same time, in recognising the cost of living pressures, the UK Government ensured that we were paying around half the average fuel bills for homeowners during the last winter period.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific plans and recognition of Warm Wales programme's impact on fuel poverty was not addressed.

How: Change Subject, General Statement

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