Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between James Cartlidge and Kieran Mullan

Tuesday 7th February 2023 Commons Chamber

[James Cartlidge]

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important case; I am more than happy for him to me to write to me with the specifics. I obviously cannot comment on individual cases, but what I would say is that when we set up the energy bill relief scheme—the original scheme, which is currently providing up to £18 billion of support not only for businesses, but for hospices, charities and organisations in the public sector—we were very clear that it could not be sustained at that level. It is extremely expensive, although it is very important and generous. In setting it up, we had a number of choices; we chose to maintain a universal scheme. Yes, there is some targeting in energy and trade-intensive sectors, but it is a universal scheme, meaning that hospices continue to benefit.

[Dr Kieran Mullan (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con)]

9. What fiscal steps he is taking to support lower-income households.