Infrastructure Bill [HL]
Debate between Baroness Eaton and Baroness Verma
Baroness Verma
My Lords, I thank my noble friend Lady Eaton for her amendment and I thank the noble Baroness for her comments. I know that we have discussed these issues on many an occasion in the Moses Room. Of course we want to make sure that the scheme is as efficient and cost-effective for the taxpayer as it possibly can be. It should deliver the benefits that have been so clearly outlined, which is something that the Government are strongly keen on pursuing.
Perhaps I may respond to my noble friend on using an alternative to Ofgem. We have seen Ofgem already successfully administering a number of schemes for the department through Ofgem E-Serve, including both the domestic and non-domestic RHI, the Renewables Obligation and feed-in tariffs. Ofgem has significant expertise in the area and has experience of running these programmes. It is also frequently evaluated to ensure that lessons are learnt both by the body and the department in order to improve the customer experience and value for money in policy administration. I think that Ofgem is the right body to be the administrator for these tools. The Government want the best kind of body to reach out to consumers. However, I take the points she raised and, listening to the noble Baroness, we have discussed on many occasions how we can improve the process. It is, of course, a complex tool so we need to ensure that it does not inadvertently exclude the very people who we are trying to assist and help.
As with all things, I must look at the upsides and the downsides of my noble friend’s amendment. What I would like to do is take it away and consider it. The amendment seems very sensible, but I would prefer to give it some thought first. Perhaps I may come back to her on Report with some further consideration.
Baroness Eaton
I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Worthington, for her comments and my noble friend for responding so carefully and thoughtfully to my amendment. I appreciate the fact that it will be considered and look forward to hearing her comments on Report. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.