Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Bills: Support for Households

Tuesday 3 September 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The state pension is 900 more this year than last year due to the triple lock.
  • Energy bills are lower this year compared to previous years.
  • The Government aims to boost pension credit uptake, which includes the winter fuel payment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question is prompted by increasing concerns among constituents about the impact of high energy costs on household budgets.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help support households with energy bills. I am concerned about the cuts in winter fuel allowance affecting pensioners who live on or near the poverty line, plunging them into crisis this winter. Will the Chancellor reconsider her decision?

Answer from James Murray

The state pension is £900 more this year than last year due to the triple lock, which we are committed to maintaining throughout this Parliament. Energy bills are lower this year compared to previous years. We aim to increase take-up of pension credit so that all eligible pensioners receive winter fuel payments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner's specific ask about reconsidering the winter fuel allowance cut and committing to a vote was not directly addressed with specifics or timelines.

How: State Pension Increase, Lower Energy Bills

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Economy Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from widespread constituent concerns about the reduction in winter fuel allowance impacting pensioners living on or near poverty.

Question

I have been inundated with questions about the cuts to the winter fuel allowance. Many pensioners live on or near the poverty line and will face a crisis this winter. Given the strength of feeling across the House, will the Chancellor reconsider her decision? If not, will she commit to a vote and debate?

Answer from James Murray

The state pension is £900 more this year than last year thanks to the triple lock, which we are committed to maintaining. Energy bills are lower compared to previous years. We aim to increase take-up of pension credit so that all eligible pensioners receive winter fuel payments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about reconsidering the allowance and committing to a vote was not directly addressed with specifics or timelines.

How: State Pension Increase, Lower Energy Bills

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Gareth Davies Con Grantham and Bourne
Energy
Context

The question is prompted by Labour's election promise of a £300 reduction in energy bills, which contrasts with current increases.

Question

During the general election, Labour committed to bring down energy bills by £300. Now that energy bills are rising by 10%, will the Minister confirm if this is still Labour policy? If so, how is it calculated and when will it be delivered?

Answer from James Murray

Labour's manifesto commitments are being reviewed. Energy bills are lower this year compared to previous years. We aim to establish Great British Energy and a national wealth fund to invest in clean energy sources, which will help bring down energy bills for good.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about Labour's policy commitment was not directly addressed with specifics or timelines.

How: Labour Manifesto Commitments Being Reviewed, Lower Energy Bills

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question is prompted by the government's financial challenges inherited from the previous administration and concerns about winter fuel allowance cuts.

Question

We know that the Government have inherited a £22 billion hole in public finances, but this cannot be an excuse for measures causing suffering. The scrapping of the winter fuel allowance will cause hardship for many pensioners. Will the Chancellor support measures to boost pension credit uptake and provide a debate on this cut?

Answer from James Murray

The Government inherited £22 billion in financial challenges, necessitating urgent action. We aim to boost pension credit uptake, which includes the winter fuel payment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about supporting measures and committing to a vote was not directly addressed with specifics or timelines.

How: Financial Inheritance, Pension Credit Uptake

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Energy Environment
Context

The question is prompted by the need for urgent investments to protect vulnerable individuals and promote economic growth.

Question

I welcome the response, but people need to know that Government are making vital investments. Does the Chancellor agree it's time to launch an emergency home energy upgrade programme providing free insulation and heat pumps for low-income households?

Answer from James Murray

A crucial part of our manifesto is to insulate up to 5 million homes. We will provide further details on this plan in due course, aiming to bring down energy bills permanently.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about launching an emergency programme was not directly addressed with specifics or timelines.

How: Home Insulation Commitment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)