Drew Hendry Portrait

Drew Hendry

Scottish National Party - Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey

First elected: 7th May 2015

Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Economy)

(since September 2023)

Foreign Affairs Committee
9th Jan 2023 - 12th Sep 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
12th Dec 2022 - 4th Sep 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Trade)
1st Feb 2021 - 12th Dec 2022
Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill
7th Sep 2022 - 18th Oct 2022
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
20th Jun 2017 - 1st Feb 2021
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Business and Trade Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow SNP Westminster Group Leader (Transport)
20th May 2015 - 20th Jun 2017


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Drew Hendry has voted in 606 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

25 Jan 2022 - Judicial Review and Courts Bill - View Vote Context
Drew Hendry voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 4 Scottish National Party No votes vs 4 Scottish National Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 187 Noes - 315
View All Drew Hendry Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(26 debate interactions)
David Linden (Scottish National Party)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Social Justice)
(25 debate interactions)
Paul Scully (Conservative)
(25 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(110 debate contributions)
Department for International Trade
(74 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020
(8,042 words contributed)
Finance Act 2024
(4,222 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Drew Hendry's debates

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

Make it illegal for retailers and services to decline cash payments.

All businesses (excepting internet-based ones) and public services in which monetary transactions take place should be required by law to accept cash as a method of payment

Weddings take months and even years of intricate planning. Myself and many others believe the maximum number of guests authorised at wedding ceremonies should be increased. The number of guests permitted at weddings should be calculated according to venue capacity.

Extend funding to nightclubs, dance music events and festivals as part of the £1.57bn support package announced by the government for Britain's arts and culture sector to survive the hit from the pandemic. #LetUSDance


Latest EDMs signed by Drew Hendry

26th March 2024
Drew Hendry signed this EDM on Tuesday 26th March 2024

Referral of matters of 21 February 2024 to the Committee of Privileges

Tabled by: William Wragg (Conservative - Hazel Grove)
That this House notes the Speaker’s decision on selection and calling of amendments on 21 February 2024 was not in accordance with the established precedent for Opposition days; and accordingly considers that, notwithstanding the Resolution of this House of 6 February 1978, the matter of whether undue pressure was placed …
58 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 42
Conservative: 14
Plaid Cymru: 1
Independent: 1
19th March 2024
Drew Hendry signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Tuesday 19th March 2024

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Tabled by: Drew Hendry (Scottish National Party - Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey)
That this House recognises Neurodiversity Celebration Week and the significance of fostering inclusive work environments for neurodiverse individuals; acknowledges the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing employment opportunities and obtaining assessments for conditions such as autism and ADHD; notes the need to support employers in creating inclusive workplaces by …
19 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 8
Labour: 3
Plaid Cymru: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
Independent: 1
Conservative: 1
Green Party: 1
View All Drew Hendry's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Drew Hendry, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Drew Hendry has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Drew Hendry has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

4 Bills introduced by Drew Hendry


A Bill to make provision about the application of the energy price cap in relation to households without mains gas supply; to require the Secretary of State and Ofgem to make proposals for measures to ensure that households do not have to pay more for energy because they do not have access to mains gas supply; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to set minimum service standards for the provision of banking and postal services in rural areas, including for the provision of services through physical outlets; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 21st June 2023
(Read Debate)

A Bill to require the transfer of land and assets in Scotland currently in the ownership of Network Rail Limited to a body nominated by the Scottish Government; to transfer responsibilities for the management of the land and assets transferred and for the management and accountability for rail infrastructure in Scotland to the Scottish Government; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 15th March 2017
(Read Debate)

A Bill to require distance sellers to provide purchasers with a lowest available delivery cost option; to introduce a scheme for a fair delivery quality mark for responsible retailers; to establish penalties where vendors advertise free delivery but subsequently impose charges or conditions; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 24th February 2016

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
2 Other Department Questions
13th Dec 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of the UK becoming a signatory to UNICEF's Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to PQ 73892 on 22 November 2021.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
6th May 2020
What assessment she has made of whether the covid-19 outbreak has had a disproportionate effect on women's job security.

The Government is actively monitoring the impact of Covid-19 on the labour market, including the impact on women and on other groups.

However, it is too early to draw any firm conclusions. The next ONS labour market statistics will be released in May, covering the 3-month period up to the end of March. Analysis of this and other data will provide an indication of early impacts of Covid-19 on the labour market.

11th May 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he is taking steps to prevent the fraudulent copying of Government web pages to charge users for services.

Any misuse of GOV.UK’s brand elements (such as the logo, crown, and Government Digital Service (GDS) Transport typeface) is illegal, and these elements are protected by crown-copyright.

Digital, cyber security and brand protection teams across government work closely with the National Cyber Security Centre to detect and respond to fraudulent sites posing as government, and in doing so to protect the UK public from scams.

A range of monitoring tools and intelligence sources are used to identify these scams, and members of the public are encouraged to report these (e.g., directly to NCSC, or to the relevant government department). Government continues to improve these capabilities, as it will always remain challenging to reliably and rapidly detect all fraudulent sites.

Once detected, multiple techniques can be used to remove these sites from the Internet or otherwise reduce their impact on the public. This includes, but is not limited to, coordinating with industry partners to take down the web domain or remove the underlying systems hosting the site from the Internet, taking direct legal action, or escalating to law enforcement.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Infected Blood Inquiry’s Second Interim Report, published on 5 April 2023, if he will make it his policy to ensure prompt payment of compensation in line with Sir Brian Langstaff's interim recommendations.

I refer the honourable Member to the statement made on Wednesday 19 April 2023, in response to the publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry’s Second Interim Report.

27th Mar 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the UK Integrated Security Fund will have the same objectives for tackling (a) conflict and (b) gender equality as there were through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

The UK Integrated Security Fund (UKISF) will expand upon the existing Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), with a wider remit, funding projects both at home and overseas to tackle some of the most complex national security challenges facing the UK and its partners. The new Fund will also bring into scope some key existing programmes, such as the National Cyber Programme.

Importantly this change from the CSSF is designed to ensure broader long-term integration of cross-government National Security efforts. Combining additional funding from other programming, the UKISF will have a budget of almost £1 billion, helping keep the UK and its people safe.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
18th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Government's Cost of Living Business Tsar's recommendation on independent retailers that food businesses reduce the retail price of food.

The Cost of Living Business Tsar, David Buttress, has and will continue to engage business of all sizes as part of his work to help households cope with the cost of living crisis. He is working closely with business associations to ensure that SMEs - including independent retailers - are able to contribute to this work. The Cost of Living Business Tsar will also work with officials to ensure that deals developed as part of his initiative are ethical and help UK consumers.

Food prices are set by businesses and it is not for the UK Government to set retail food prices or comment on day-today commercial decisions by companies. We continue to monitor food prices using the ONS inflation figures.

13th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the report by Sir Robert Francis entitled Compensation and Redress for the Victims of Infected Blood, Recommendations for a Framework, what impact assessment has been undertaken relating to the time taken in making funds available.

There are a number of complex issues arising from the recommendations in the Compensation Framework Study. These issues are under active consideration across government, including consideration of Sir Robert’s evidence to the independent Inquiry on 11-12 July. I will update the House as this work progresses.

23rd Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the report by Sir Robert Francis entitled, Compensation and Redress for the Victims of Infected Blood, Recommendations for a Framework, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing additional funding allocations to ensure payments for compensation to those affected by contaminated blood products is not funded from existing health and social care budgets.

I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to PQ 16932 on 20 June.

15th Sep 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has carried out an impact assessment of extending the delay on EU trade import controls beyond October 2021 on the competitiveness of UK exporters compared with importers; and whether he has plans to publish any such assessment.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement of 14th of September, which sets out the reasons for the change to the timetable for introducing border import controls on goods from the EU.

The Government is working closely with the Devolved Administrations on the delay to the introduction of controls, especially on controls and checks on Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods which are a devolved matter.

15th Sep 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the devolved Administrations (a) were consulted by his Department and (b) consented to the decision to extend the delay on EU trade import controls beyond October 2021.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement of 14th of September, which sets out the reasons for the change to the timetable for introducing border import controls on goods from the EU.

The Government is working closely with the Devolved Administrations on the delay to the introduction of controls, especially on controls and checks on Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods which are a devolved matter.

16th Mar 2020
To ask the Prime Minister, what assessment he has made of the merits of providing British Sign Language during live televised statements.

Following discussions with the BBC, they have confirmed they will provide a sign language service during official statements for the foreseeable future.

13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the Motor Ombudsman at helping motorists to (a) resolve disputes with and (b) obtain redress in disputes about vehicles.

The Motor Ombudsman is a non-statutory ombudsman, set up as a voluntary scheme by the industry and independent of government. The Motor Ombudsman is accredited and regularly audited by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute against key principles including neutrality and effective complaints handling.

The Motor Ombudsman's activities are documented in their annual reports, complying with the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015. These reports are accessible on its website.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
18th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent estimate her Department has made of the amount of money owed by insolvent businesses under the (a) Bounce Back Loan Scheme, (b) Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and (c) Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Scheme.

The Department does not have a recent estimate of the amount of money owed by insolvent businesses under (a) Bounce Back Loan Scheme, (b) Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and (c) Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Scheme. This is because the Department does not have full data on any partial repayments which were made by businesses before they entered insolvency proceedings.

The Insolvency Service is taking action to address any wrongdoing in this area: as of 31 March 2023, the number of directors disqualified for this misconduct related to these schemes totals 602 and the number of bankruptcy restrictions totals 163. In addition, 6 criminal Prosecutions for allegations related to the Bounce Back Loan Scheme had concluded, with 3 immediate custodial sentences and 3 suspended custodial sentences.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the Competition and Market Authority's regulatory enforcement powers at ensuring competition within the supermarket sector.

Responsibility for investigating individual and market-wide competition issues in the UK falls to the independent Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The Government has ensured that the CMA has significant powers to investigate and act if it finds that companies are behaving anti-competitively in a market. The Government is strengthening these powers further as part of the reforms in the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Bill.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Competition and Markets Authority's press release entitled CMA update on action to help contain cost of living pressures, published on 15 May 2023, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the Competition and Markets Authority's regulatory enforcement powers in respect of ensuring businesses respond to the authority's requests for evidence.

The Competition and Markets Authority has powers to issue civil sanctions for failures to comply with a requirement to produce information under Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998 and Parts 3 and 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002. The Government is strengthening these powers as part of the reforms in the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Bill, including increasing the maximum penalty that can be imposed on a business.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a consumer rights and support service ombudsmen.

Government published its response to the 2021 ‘Reforming Competition and Consumer Policy’ consultation in Spring 2022. This set out Government’s intention to continue to consider ways in which consumers can be supported in finding routes to redress, working with Citizens Advice, enforcers and Alternative Dispute Resolution providers to achieve this.

Consumers should report problems to the Government funded Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133, www.citizensadvice.org/. The helpline offers free advice to consumers on their rights and how to take their complaints forward. The service can also refer on complaints to Trading Standards for further appropriate enforcement action.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Mar 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions her Department has had with Ofgem on alternative energy meter arrangements for households reliant on Radio Teleswitch.

In their recent open letter, the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) set a clear expectation that energy suppliers must replace Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters in a timely and efficient manner, before the RTS is switched off (now confirmed by EnergyUK as the end of June 2025). Households should contact their energy supplier to arrange their upgrades, so they can continue to benefit from multi rate tariffs.

The Department will continue to engage with Ofgem and industry on this matter.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
13th Mar 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions her Department has had with Ofgem on (a) the best practice for the provision of details to clients of any electricity prices that will be charged on a caravan site, and (b) the level of enforcement action Ofgem have commenced against caravan sites that are overcharging for electricity.

The Government regularly engages with Ofgem on consumer issues. Under Ofgem’s Maximum Resale Price Provisions caravan site owners must not resell energy to residents at a higher price than what they paid to their licensed energy supplier. Residents are also entitled to see documentation, including a breakdown of the rates included in a bill or a contract.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
5th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made an estimate of the future energy surplus the Scottish Highlands will produce per capita by 2030.

The Department has made no estimate of the potential future energy surplus of the Scottish Highlands. The department’s Energy and Emissions Projections provide an estimate of future UK demand for energy, accounting for existing or near-final policies, and how future demand for electricity might be supplied, but these projections are at national level only.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to encourage communities to support renewable energy network connection infrastructure in their localities.

Community support is critical to increasing the scale and pace of development of the electricity transmission network as we transition to net zero.

That is why, in November 2023, the government published its community benefit proposals for communities living near new transmission network infrastructure.

This includes publishing guidance this year covering benefits of £200,000/km for overhead lines, £40,000/km for underground cables, and £200,000 per substation. In addition, properties closest to new transmission network infrastructure will receive electricity bill discounts of up to £1,000 per year for 10 years.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions her Department has had with Ofgem on the equitability of standing charges.

I regularly meet with Ofgem to discuss the energy retail market, including standing charges. Ofgem’s recent Call for Input (CfI) on standing charges closed on January 19th 2024. The Call for Input seeks to gain greater understanding on how standing charges are applied to energy bills and what alternatives could be considered. Government welcomes this and looks forward to Ofgem’s conclusions.

Further information on the CfI may be found online at: www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/launch-review-standing-charges-energy-bills

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
5th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the consultation outcome entitled Review of electricity market arrangements, published on 7 March 2023, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of energy infrastructure in the Scottish Highlands.

The UK has a secure and diverse energy system. Whilst energy policy is a matter reserved to the UK Government under the devolution settlement, planning, including energy infrastructure planning, is devolved to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government published National Planning Framework 4 in February 2023 which has sections on energy and climate change. This is therefore a matter for the Scottish Government.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has had recent discussions with Ofgem on (a) the impact of high energy costs on the finances of businesses that agreed new electricity contracts in the last two years and (b) taking steps to help support those businesses to agree new electricity contracts.

Ministers and officials regularly meet with Ofgem to discuss the energy retail market including for business customers.

The Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) provides all eligible businesses and other non-domestic energy users with a baseline discount on high energy bills for 12 months from April 2023 until 31 March 2024. The EBDS is helping businesses locked into contracts signed before substantial falls in wholesale prices manage their costs and provide others with reassurance against the risk of prices rising again.

Ofgem’s non-domestic review findings noted that more than half of suppliers are now offering contract renegotiation.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
26th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has had discussions with Ofgem on the projected number of households which (a) will be impacted by the Radio Teleswitch Service switch off and (b) won't be moved onto new Smart Meter metering options in time for the switch off.

Ofgem’s recent Open Letter confirmed the numbers of households reliant on the Radio Teleswitching Service: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/open-letter-smart-meter-installations-prepayment-and-radio-teleswitch-customers

The Government expects energy suppliers to upgrade households with RTS to smart meters in good time in advance of the switch off. Households should contact their energy supplier to arrange their upgrades as soon as possible so they can continue to benefit from multi rate tariffs.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of wide area network coverage on the availability of smart meters.

The Data Communications Company (DCC) provides Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage for smart meters to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain. The DCC is also obligated under its licence conditions to explore solutions to increase the overall level of coverage even further.

Ofgem is responsible for regulating the DCC against these obligations.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has had discussions with Ofgem about the level of compensation for customers from Eon Next for poor customer service.

DESNZ ministers and officials meet regularly with Ofgem to discuss a range of issues relating to energy markets and consumers.

As the independent regulator, Ofgem is responsible for ensuring licensed energy suppliers are complying with their rules. Details of Ofgem’s ongoing supplier compliance and enforcement activity, including individual decisions, are at this link https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/compliance-and-enforcement/retail-compliance-and-enforcement.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the powers of the Energy Ombudsman to implement its rulings in (a) full and (b) a timely manner.

The Energy Ombudsman is an independent, not for profit company appointed by Ofgem as the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body for the energy sector under the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes Regulations 2015. As the Competent Authority, it is the responsibility of Ofgem to carry out an assessment of the Energy Ombudsman’s performance. Ofgem does this every two years to ensure the company meets the approval criteria as an ADR body. A copy of the most recent assessment for the period of 2019-2021 is available on Ofgem’s website at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/biennial-assessment-ombudsman-services-under-adr-regulations-2019-2021.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has had recent discussions with energy companies on the impact of reduced network coverage for smart meters on the ability of people to install domestic electric vehicle chargers.

Direct Communications Company (DCC) Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage for smart meters has no impact on the ability of energy consumers to install electric vehicle charging points at their properties.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
18th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the UK's progress on the 2050 targets for oil and gas usage; and whether that progress meets the recommendation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to reduce oil and gas usage by 4% a year.

The Government’s domestic and international net zero targets are consistent with the Paris Agreement ambition to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The Government’s aim is to accelerate the reduction in oil and gas use and the Government has made progress in this area, including through the expansion of renewables which will reduce gas used for power generation. However, as the Climate Change Committee’s own analysis shows, the UK will still need oil and gas as it makes the transition to net zero by 2050.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with Ofgem on reported instances of conflicts of interest between June 2021 and April 2023.

No discussions have taken place. However, Ofgem Directors and Director Generals are employed as Civil Servants and, as such, are expected to abide by the Civil Service Code. It is expected that Ofgem staff will have declared any potential conflicts to the relevant senior manager in Ofgem, as set out under Ofgem’s Conflict of Interest Policy, which can be found here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2013/03/conflicts-of-interest-at-ofgem.pdf

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
6th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department has taken to help ensure the adequate provision of (a) larger 19kg canisters and (b) other gas products by Calor Gas across the Highlands and rural Scotland ahead of winter 2023-24; and whether the Government has had recent discussions with Calor Gas on the provision of those products.

The Department regularly engages with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply industry through its trade association Liquid Gas UK. There are several suppliers and Liquid Gas UK provide a postcode search facility to help consumers identify those closest to them (https://www.liquidgasuk.org/domestic/supplier-search). The major suppliers have assured the Department that there will be a sufficient supply of 19kg cylinders across the UK, including Scotland. The industry will also have additional stocks arriving over the coming months to account for increased demand over the winter.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made a recent comparative estimate of the economic cost of delivering baseload provision to the national grid from (a) pumped-hydro storage and (b) new nuclear solutions.

Data on cost estimates for electricity generation technologies and cost estimates for storage technologies along with their methodologies, data and assumptions are found in the Electricity Generation Costs and Storage Cost and Technical Assumptions reports respectively, published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. These are not directly comparable for pumped hydro storage and nuclear generation given the different cost base and operating characteristics.

These reports can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electricity-generation-costs-2023 and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/storage-cost-and-technical-assumptions-for-electricity-storage-technologies.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the compatibility of the social energy tariff system in Italy with the UK energy market.

As set out in the autumn statement, the Government is exploring the best approach to consumer protection from April 2024, as part of wider retail market reforms. The Government has looked at a range of international comparators, including Italy, although as energy markets and consumer circumstances vary between countries, the specific situation in the UK will need to be assessed.

The Government will set out its proposals in due course.

Up to then, in response to higher prices, the Government has put in place the Energy Price Guarantee and provided significant additional support to help those who need it most through this winter and into 2023-24.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
20th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions her Department has had with energy providers on extending smart meter coverage in the Scottish Highlands.

Today, the Data Communications Company (DCC) provides Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage for smart meters to at least 99.5% of premises across its ‘North’ region.

The DCC also has a license obligation to explore solutions for increasing WAN coverage even further. It is currently developing a business case exploring such solutions, including an option for using already available internet-connected Consumer Access Devices to provide smart services. The consumer would need to have their own broadband connection and be prepared to enable the Consumer Access Device to utilise it. The Department expects to receive initial proposals from DCC shortly for review.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
11th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the time taken to make new National Grid connections on new renewable energy projects in the UK.

The Government recognises that lengthy connection dates offered to renewable energy projects can create delays. Work is underway to release network capacity and improve the connection process, which should bring connection dates forward for renewable developers, amongst others. Government will publish a connections action plan jointly with Ofgem in the summer to build on this work and set out longer-term reforms to ensure that network connections support our net zero and energy security objectives.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether officials in his Department have had discussions with National Grid on decreasing the waiting time for new grid connections for renewable energy projects.

The Government is working with Ofgem and network companies, including National Grid, to reduce connection timescales. This includes through the Electricity System Operator-led Connections Reform Project.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the Energy Bill Support Scheme provides equal help to each household when multiple householders have a shared single domestic energy connection for billing purposes but are classed as separate households for council tax and other official purposes.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme provides one payment to each domestic electricity meter in 6 instalments. In instances where a single domestic meter supplies more than one household, one EBSS discount will have been paid and shared between the households. This approach was taken so that delivery via electricity suppliers could commence in time to support households over the winter.

The Government has provided further support to help with the energy bills including the Energy Price Guarantee which reduces the unit cost of electricity and gas so that a typical household in Great Britain will save around £700 this winter.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
15th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has had recent discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority on the adequacy of audit systems for assessing the delivery of the cold weather priority initiative by liquefied petroleum gas suppliers.

Liquid Gas UK is the trade association for suppliers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Cold Weather Priority Delivery is one of the principles for the Customer Charter to which their members agree. Liquid Gas UK provides an ombudsman scheme as an alternative dispute resolution service for customer disputes.

Officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero maintain regular contact with Liquid Gas UK to monitor threats to security of supply.

The Competition and Markets Authority administers the Liquefied Petroleum Gas market orders, which are intended to make it easier for customers to switch LPG suppliers.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential benefits of working with alternative fuel provider trade bodies.to reduce the evidence requirement for householders in relation to the Alternative Fuel Payment..

In developing the scheme, the Government worked closely with stakeholders across the country including with the relevant trade bodies. Applicants will have to provide evidence to demonstrate use of alternative fuels as their main heating source in order to reduce the risk of fraud e.g. by receipt/delivery note. The Government was assured by the industry that most alternative fuel users are routinely provided with suitable documentation through their fuel provider.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
15th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing the estates of deceased people who were alive during the qualifying period to apply to the Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding Scheme.

The eligibility of applicants for the EBSS Alternative Funding is determined at the time of their application. Therefore, the estates of deceased people will not be able to apply on behalf of a deceased person as an application can only be made by or on behalf of someone who is living and occupying an address.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
14th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had recent discussions with Ofgem on taking steps to ensure that Alternative Fuel Payments are received by domestic customers and not retained by energy providers.

The Department regularly engages with Ofgem on these matters and will discuss any issues as they arise. There is no evidence energy suppliers are retaining Alternative Fuel Payment grants. Electricity suppliers are currently subject to compliance monitoring and the Department will properly assure and audit payments. Any unused funds will be fully reconciled and recovered.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
13th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure caravan tenants paying their landlord directly for energy, who live on domestic private land, are able to access off-grid energy support payments.

Caravan tenants on domestic private land who pay their landlord directly for energy, and where the landlord holds a commercial electricity contract, are eligible to apply for support through the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF) which launched on 27 February, if they meet full eligibility requirements. A landlord with a domestic electricity contract will already have been receiving the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) automatically through their electricity supplier and must ensure this is passed through to the caravan resident in a just and reasonable manner.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
28th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the number of businesses that have entered new fixed period energy price agreements in the last six months.

The Government does not currently hold data for all business energy contracts. Of those subject to Energy Bill Relief Scheme support, it is currently estimated is that up to 400,000 electricity contracts and 100,000 gas contracts were fixed since September 2022. This would not capture any contracts that may be fixed on an annual, or less frequent basis, and were done so prior to this point. The Government does not have information on the number of businesses these contracts equate to, as a single business can have multiple contracts and would also expect some businesses to have fixed both electricity and gas contracts.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
24th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions his Department has had with Ofgem on potential regulatory enforcement action for companies that do not enable Total Heating Total Control customers to change metering systems.

The smart metering system has been designed to enable a wide range of tariffs, independently of the Radio Teleswitch Service, which Total Heating Total Control tariffs rely on. Energy suppliers are obligated under their licence conditions to taking all reasonable steps to install a smart meter where a meter is fitted for the first time or when an existing meter needs replacing.

The regulator Ofgem is responsible for ensuring energy suppliers comply with their regulatory obligations and take any necessary enforcement action. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works closely with Ofgem on monitoring supplier performance.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has had discussions with Liquified Petroleum Gas providers on securing deliveries to rural communities during periods of inclement weather.

The supply of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) remains sufficient to meet customer demand across the UK, including those in rural communities. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works with industry to monitor the LPG supply position and proactively take steps to mitigate any risks that may affect distribution to customers and essential services.

Members of the sector trade association, Liquid Gas UK, signed up to a Customer Charter, which includes a Cold Weather Priority Delivery scheme to ensure that the elderly or chronically ill will not run out of energy. Further information can be found at: https://www.liquidgasuk.org/domestic/liquid-gas-uk-customer-charter-switch-lpg-supplier.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many and what proportion of the new telecom masts being built through the Shared Rural Network programme are planned to be used by more than one mobile network operator.

Masts built as part of the government funded part of the Shared Rural Network, which will deliver new 4G coverage in total not spot areas where there is currently none, will be available to be shared by all four Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Initial plans developed in 2021 suggested that approximately 300 new masts would be needed. However, we now expect to need fewer masts than originally planned and work is ongoing to establish the exact number.

The programme will also look to utilise existing infrastructure where possible and this includes upgrading some of the 292 Home Office Extended Area Service masts across England, Scotland and Wales making them shareable between all four MNOs for the programme.

We are unable to provide the precise number of new or upgraded masts that may be delivered as part of the privately funded element of the Shared Rural Network, which will tackle partial not spot areas of the UK which have coverage from at least one but not all four MNOs.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has considered the potential merits of increasing mobile network sharing in rural 4G partial Not-Spots to help increase emergency call coverage.

People living in rural 4G partial not-spots are already able to make emergency calls, as the Code of Practice for the Public Emergency Call Service requires that any call from a mobile phone is able to roam onto another mobile network free-of-charge to make an emergency call if they have no signal from their own provider.

In addition, through our £1 billion Shared Rural Network deal with the four mobile network operators, we will also be delivering new masts in total not-spot areas which will deliver 4G coverage for the first time. This will improve the safety of those living, working and visiting the area by enabling calls to 999 to be made through the mobile network for the first time as well as through the fixed telephone network.

6th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of competition in the fibre broadband sector in Scotland.

The Government’s Statement of Strategic Priorities for Ofcom, published in 2019, states that we want to see regulation that incentivises network investment and ensures fair and effective competition between new and existing network operators. Government and Ofcom have progressed multiple interventions to improve competition in the UK broadband sector, for example by providing competitors with effective access to Openreach’s ducts and poles. These interventions also benefit Scotland, since telecoms is a reserved matter.

Based on our pro-competition policies we now have a thriving market in the UK of over 100 providers investing nearly £40bn rolling out gigabit broadband all over the country. The UK gigabit capable network now stands at c.78.0%, up from one in ten in November 2019, and the coverage in Scotland stands at c.71.5%, up from less than one in ten in November 2019*.

*Thinkbroadband data