Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Impact of Energy Costs on Disabled People

Wednesday 9 October 2024 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Bobby Dean asked about the impact of energy costs on disabled people and the effectiveness of current benefits.
  • The minister responded by highlighting the government's focus on accelerating the transition to clean energy to protect vulnerable consumers.
  • Christine Jardine raised concerns about the high percentage of disabled individuals over state pension age facing inflated energy costs due to necessary equipment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Energy bills are a significant concern for many, especially for disabled individuals who face higher expenses due to necessary equipment like stair lifts or oxygen tanks. The cost of energy has risen sharply.

Question

What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the cost of energy on disabled people?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

We understand that energy bills are a concern for many people. We believe that the only way to protect bill payers permanently, including disabled people, is to accelerate the green transition to home-grown clean energy. We continue to work closely with energy suppliers to ensure that vulnerable customers are supported.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or funding commitments for supporting disabled individuals facing high energy costs.

How: We Believe, We Understand

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Q2 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
Context

Scope research estimates that disabled households in Carshalton and Wallington face bills up to £1,500 a month more than the average household. Additionally, these households are less likely to claim available benefits.

Question

In my constituency of Carshalton and Wallington, Scope research estimates that disabled households face bills of up to £1,500 a month more than the average household. We also know that disabled households are much less likely to claim the benefits that they are entitled to. Has the Government Equalities Office made any assessment of the potential disproportionate impact on disabled households of cutting the winter fuel allowance?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

Equality analysis was released in September, and the Government carried out our statutory duties in doing so, but I recognise the wider concerns that the hon. Member raises, especially around the additional costs faced by many disabled people. That is why the Minister for Energy Consumers, my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham (Miatta Fahnbulleh) recently met suppliers to address some of these issues. I encourage all those who need extra support to sign up to the priority services register.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about the equality analysis or concrete measures addressing disproportionate impacts on disabled households.

How: Equality Analysis Was Released In September, I Recognise The Wider Concerns

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Q3 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Science & Technology Benefits & Welfare
Context

There are growing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in various government departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions. A recent United Nations report highlighted issues with AI governance.

Question

Disabled people are also concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in Departments under the previous Government, including within the Department for Work and Pensions. Given the recent United Nations report on AI governance, what discussions has the Minister had with other colleagues across different Departments on the equity principles that will be integrated in the Government's use of AI?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

Discussions are ongoing across government, including with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. There are wider opportunities and challenges that technology presents us, and we want to ensure we get the balance right.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about ongoing discussions or concrete equity principles being integrated into AI usage.

How: Discussions Are Ongoing, We Want To Ensure

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Q4 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

DWP statistics show that 45% of people over the state pension age have a disability. These individuals often incur additional energy costs due to equipment requirements.

Question

Further to the question that my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean) asked, DWP statistics show that 45% of people over the state pension age have a disability. As we have already heard, they can face hugely inflated energy costs because of the need for equipment such as stair lifts, extra fridges or oxygen tanks, all of which demand electricity. In the discussions that the Minister has outlined, have the Government given any consideration to the introduction of a social tariff to help mitigate the extra costs that disabled people face in this country?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The hon. Lady will recognise the difficult state of the public finances that we inherited and the tough choices that were necessary to stabilise our economy. Those decisions were not easy. My hon. Friend the Minister for Energy Consumers is leading on much of this work to ensure we secure a fairer deal for all consumers, because we want to ensure that all support is targeted at the most vulnerable groups who need support this winter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about discussions regarding social tariffs or any concrete measures being considered.

How: Tough Choices, Difficult State Of Public Finances

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