Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Warm Homes Plan

Tuesday 18 March 2025 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Euan Stainbank raised concerns about failures by various entities leaving constituents with high energy costs and poor connectivity.
  • Debbie Abrahams inquired about immediate assistance for families struggling with energy bills, highlighting the Government's winter fund and Ofgem's plans.
  • Tim Farron supported energy efficiency efforts but questioned potential consequences of different EPC standards for long-term and short-term lets.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Euan Stainbank Lab Falkirk
Housing Energy
Context

The MP raised concerns about the failure of previous governments, energy companies, and local authorities in his constituency to address fuel poverty effectively. He mentioned issues with smart meters not working properly and poor electric heating systems.

Question

I am concerned that failures by Governments, energy companies and local authorities over a number of years have left my constituents paying huge energy costs, with poor connectivity, failure to install smart meters or smart meters not working when they are installed, and not-fit-for-purpose electric heating systems in the Braes villages. Does the Government must do all they can to end fuel poverty, and will he meet me to discuss how to hold accountable those who are responsible for ongoing issues in my constituency?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)

My hon. Friend raises important issues about having a tough regulator in Ofgem, ensuring smart meters work properly, and tackling fuel poverty through every decision the Government takes. I was pleased to announce an extension of the warm homes discount to an extra 2.7 million families with an additional £150 next winter to help them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address the request for a meeting or specific accountability measures.

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Q2 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Energy
Context

The MP welcomed the energy efficiency measures but expressed concern about families struggling to pay their bills immediately.

Question

I welcome the energy efficiency measures that my right hon. Friend mentions, which will really make a difference to many families in the future, but what can the Government and energy providers do to help families struggling to pay their energy bills today?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)

My hon. Friend speaks with expertise on these issues. The Minister for Energy Consumers put in place £500 million this winter to help families struggling with bills, while Ofgem is working on a plan to relieve debts from the cost of living crisis after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While providing some immediate support measures, the Minister did not fully address how energy providers can assist in alleviating current high bills for families.

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Q3 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Employment Energy
Context

The MP raised concerns about the potential consequences of raising the minimum level of energy performance certificates for long-term rented accommodation without applying similar standards to short-term lets or owned properties.

Question

I strongly support all efforts to increase energy efficiency and bring down bills. Is the Secretary of State concerned about the potential unforeseen consequences of raising the minimum level of EPCs to C for long-term rented accommodation but not doing so for short-term lets and owned properties? Will that not create an incentive in communities such as ours for people to go to Airbnb or second home ownership, rather than providing affordable homes for local people?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)

The hon. Gentleman raises an important issue regarding short-term lets, which we are consulting on as part of our energy efficiency measures. This proposal aims to take up to 1 million families out of poverty by ensuring they live in decent, warm accommodation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address the concern about potential incentives for short-term lets or second home ownership.

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