Oral Answers to Questions

Angela Crawley Excerpts

Tuesday 29th November 2022 Commons Chamber

[Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)]

5. What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the increase in the energy price guarantee in April 2023 on households.

[Angela Crawley (Lanark and Hamilton East) (SNP)]

15. What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the increase in the energy price guarantee in April 2023 on households.

[Steven Bonnar (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (SNP)]

16. What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the increase in the energy price guarantee in April 2023 on households.

--- Later in debate ---

[Grant Shapps]

I just mentioned support for 8 million families that goes beyond just the £400 and the energy price guarantee. Those 8 million families will benefit from all manner of additional support—£1 billion for local authorities, additional money for people on various forms of universal credit, and money for pensioners—all of which is designed to help people through a crisis that the whole House should recognise has been brought on by Putin the dictator invading Ukraine.

[Angela Crawley]

Contrary to what the Secretary of State says, the consequences will be dire. The Institute of Health Equity indicates that the development of millions of children will be damaged, so will he commit to providing adequate support for vulnerable families so that no child suffers the diverse health impacts of fuel poverty this winter?

[Grant Shapps]

I have mentioned the 8 million homes, but perhaps it will help the hon. Lady if I point out the specific means-tested benefits which mean that those families will receive an extra payment of £650 on top of all the other assistance and help that I have outlined. This is an unprecedented situation. We have put billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money into supporting people. I hope the whole House will recognise that this Government have done everything within our power to assist.