Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Social Tariffs

Tuesday 16 January 2024 · 3 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

  • Government promised action to help vulnerable households with energy bills last year
  • Continued support measures include 900 cost of living payments and warm home discount payments
  • National living wage increased by 1,800 and benefits by 6.7%, worth 470 a year

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Energy
Context

In April 2023, the Secretary of State's predecessor stated that a social tariff could be very helpful. However, there has been no progress since then.

Question

Last year, the Government promised action to help the most vulnerable with their energy bills. In April 2023, the right hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield said a social tariff could be very helpful. Nearly a year on, we have heard nothing about a social tariff. Will the Minister explain why the Government abandoned plans for a social tariff?

Answer from Amanda Solloway

We are continuing our support for vulnerable households with measures like £900 cost of living payments and warm home discount payments. We will constantly monitor where we are and ensure continued support for all vulnerable households.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation for abandoning plans for a social tariff

How: We Are Continuing Our Support

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Energy
Context

In April 2023, the Secretary of State's predecessor stated that a social tariff could be very helpful. However, there has been no progress since then.

Question

Last year, the Government promised action to help the most vulnerable with their energy bills. In April 2023, the right hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield said a social tariff could be very helpful. Nearly a year on, we have heard nothing about a social tariff. Will the Minister explain why the Government abandoned plans for a social tariff?

Answer from Amanda Solloway

We are continuing our support for vulnerable households with measures like £900 cost of living payments and warm home discount payments. We will constantly monitor where we are and ensure continued support for all vulnerable households.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation for abandoning plans for a social tariff

How: We Are Continuing Our Support

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Q3 Angus MacNeil SNP
Economy Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Resolution Foundation reported that average wages across the UK were £10,700 lower than in comparable countries. The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee urged the Government and energy suppliers to consider implementing a form of social tariff.

Question

There is indeed a need for a social tariff due to either a cost of living crisis or a lack-of-wages crisis. The Resolution Foundation reported that average wages across the UK were £10,700 lower than in comparable countries. The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee urged the Government and energy suppliers to consider implementing a form of social tariff. Will we see some movement on this from the Government?

Answer from Amanda Solloway

We are doing a lot for people, including increasing the national living wage by £1,800 and benefits by 6.7%, worth £470 a year.

Not addressed: Movement on implementing a social tariff

How: We Are Doing A Lot For People

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