Oral Answers to Questions

Claire Young Excerpts

Tuesday 10th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

1. What steps his Department is taking to reduce household energy bills.

[Claire Young (Thornbury and Yate) (LD)]

11. What steps he is taking to help reduce household energy bills.

[Aphra Brandreth (Chester South and Eddisbury) (Con)]

23. What steps he is taking to reduce energy bills.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ed Miliband]

I am afraid that the right hon. Gentleman’s first point is wrong; he is taking one quarter—summer 2024 —and comparing it with today. If we look across 2025, bills are lower than in 2024. Actually, I had hoped that he would support the £150 that we have taken off energy bills, but the Opposition oppose all the measures making that possible.

[Claire Young]

The Government’s consultation on alternative heating that ends today does not cover installation costs, yet that is what is stopping many of my constituents in off-gas areas from switching away from oil. With National Energy Action warning of an £18 billion funding gap to meet fuel poverty targets, what action will the Government take to ensure that those least able to afford alternative forms of heating are not left dependent on fossil fuels and paying sky-high bills?

[Ed Miliband]

The hon. Lady is right to draw attention to our consultation. From talking to my ministerial colleagues, I know that we will take into account the points that she has made. We want to allow as many as people as possible across the country to convert to cheap, clean power. That is the point of our warm homes plan, and that is the point of the consultation she mentioned.