The petition residents of the United Kingdom,
Declares that whilst the Energy Cap has decreased, many people are still experiencing extreme difficulty paying energy bills for a number of reasons including the lack of a UK Government Energy Bill Support Scheme and the increased financial pressure from the cost of living generally; notes that whilst there is widespread, legitimate criticism of energy companies many are providing some financial support to consumers in such circumstances but this is not widely known.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to publish accessible information on support available from all energy companies so that those who are struggling financially maximise their chances of surviving the cost of living crisis.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Anne McLaughlin, Official Report, 15 November 2023; Vol. 740, c. 764.]
[P002875]
Observations from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Amanda Solloway):
We understand that energy companies may be providing support to certain customers who may be struggling to pay their energy bills. However, the Government do not hold this data as it would be solely held by the energy companies themselves. Therefore, we recommend that any household who is struggling to pay their energy bill contacts their energy supplier to find out what support they may be able to offer.
The Government also recognise the challenges posed by cost of living pressures, including the impact of energy bills, and is already providing extensive financial support to households. This includes a package of support to assist households and individuals with rising costs of living that will total over £104 billion, or £3,700 per household on average, over 2022-2025.
The Government provided unprecedented levels of support to households last winter in response to huge energy bill spikes caused by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, with the typical household receiving £1,500 of support from October 2022 to June 2023. Energy prices have significantly fallen in the past year alone and the Q1 2024 price cap of £1,928 has more than halved compared to the previous year when the Q1 2023 price cap peaked at £4,279.
The Government are continuing to support those most in need as prices come down. Millions of vulnerable households will receive up to £900 in further cost of living payments, with £300 to pensioner households, and £150 to those on eligible disability benefits. These payments are in addition to established financial support which is available for low income and vulnerable house- holds this winter through the winter fuel payment worth between £250 - £600 and the cold weather payment providing £25 during very cold weather. The Government continue to provide support through the warm home discount, which provides low-income and vulnerable households with an annual £150 rebate off their energy bill every winter. We recommend that households visit the “Help for Households” webpage on gov.uk to see what support they may be eligible for:
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/
The Government are exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will keep options under review, including with respect to the most vulnerable households.