Asked by: Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to issue guidance to energy companies in Northern Ireland on (a) tackling fraudulent use of energy support vouchers and (b) reissuing vouchers to customers who have not been able to redeem theirs as a result of fraud.
Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Department is aware of a small number of cases in which customers have reported that they have not received their voucher and yet it has already been redeemed. Customers are required to produce various forms of evidence and identification when redeeming a voucher and this is set out in the scheme guidance. The Government is working closely with suppliers to ensure eligible customers receive their payment as soon as possible, whilst appropriately protecting public money.