Kenny MacAskill

To bolster the available accommodation for some of our contractors supporting the operational delivery of COP26, we have procured two ferries which will be berthed on the outskirts of Glasgow.

There will be no delegates or accredited visitors staying on the vessels.

COP26 is targeting carbon neutral using the standard PAS206. The carbon footprint analysis for this will incorporate all emissions generated from activities that are integral to hosting the event, including those of the two cruise ships.

To bolster the available accommodation for some of our contractors supporting the operational delivery of COP26, we have procured two ferries which will be berthed on the outskirts of Glasgow.

There will be no delegates or accredited visitors staying on the vessels.

COP26 is targeting carbon neutral using the standard PAS206. The carbon footprint analysis for this will incorporate all emissions generated from activities that are integral to hosting the event, including those of the two cruise ships.

To bolster the available accommodation for some of our contractors supporting the operational delivery of COP26, we have procured two ferries which will be berthed on the outskirts of Glasgow.

There will be no delegates or accredited visitors staying on the vessels.

COP26 is targeting carbon neutral using the standard PAS206. The carbon footprint analysis for this will incorporate all emissions generated from activities that are integral to hosting the event, including those of the two cruise ships.

Accommodation and incidental costs for police officers and security staff directly involved in the delivery of COP26 will be drawn from the Cabinet Office COP26 budget.

The UK Government is working closely with the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council across all planning for COP26. Any additional policing or security costs that are directly attributable to COP26 will be met by the UK Government.

Accommodation and incidental costs for police officers and security staff directly involved in the delivery of COP26 will be drawn from the Cabinet Office COP26 budget.

The UK Government is working closely with the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council across all planning for COP26. Any additional policing or security costs that are directly attributable to COP26 will be met by the UK Government.

Details of Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on the gov.uk website. In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal discussions are not usually disclosed.

The Government defended a petition for Judicial Review in relation to the prorogation of Parliament in 2019 raised by Joanna Cherry QC MP and others in (1) the Outer House in the Court of Session, (2) the Inner House of the Court of Session, and (3) the Supreme Court where it was joined with R (on the application of Miller) (Appellant) v The Prime Minister (Respondent).

The Office of the Advocate General and Government Legal Department have determined that the total legal costs incurred by the Government in relation to the Cherry litigation in the Outer and Inner Houses of the Court of Session was £83,715 (net of VAT). The total legal costs incurred by the Government in the Supreme Court in relation to Cherry was £83,715 (net of VAT), and in relation to Miller was £142,590. These figures include Counsel fees, Government Legal Department litigator costs and court dues.

The Government also incurred £30,000 in adverse costs in relation to the Cherry proceedings. It is not possible to attribute these costs between proceedings in the different courts.

The Government defended a petition for Judicial Review in relation to the prorogation of Parliament in 2019 raised by Joanna Cherry QC MP and others in (1) the Outer House in the Court of Session, (2) the Inner House of the Court of Session, and (3) the Supreme Court, where it was joined with R (on the application of Miller) (Appellant) v The Prime Minister (Respondent).

The Office of the Advocate General and Government Legal Department have determined that the total costs of defending this litigation were £127,062.33 (net of VAT). This figure includes Counsel fees, Government Legal Department litigator costs and court dues. The Government also incurred £30,000 in adverse costs.

This information is not held centrally. GEM is responsible for providing solutions to specialist estates management issues across government.

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

Spend on externally contracted consultancy services for the CCS in each of the last five years is shown in the table below.

Details of all Government contracts awarded from 2016 above £10,000 and £25,000 in the wider public sector are published on Contracts Finder. Each award notice provides information on the name of the supplier, value of the contract, its purpose and information on the type of awarding procedure used. Government departments, their individual agencies and Arms Length Bodies are required to publish all spend against individual suppliers above £25,000 on GOV.UK.

All Government Departments and their individual ALBs and agencies are required to follow the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 in awarding contracts.

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

For reporting purposes the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Property Agency, Civil Service Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, Committee on Standards in Public Life, Security Vetting Appeals Panel, Senior Salaries Review Body, Social Mobility Commission, Equality Hub, Government Equalities Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests and House of Lords Appointments Commission are an integral part of the Cabinet Office and consolidated as part of our group expenditure.

Expenditure on consultancy is published annually in our annual report and accounts and I refer the hon Member to my answer to PQ 22549 on 23 June, where our spend is outlined.

Details of consultancy contracts, including the supplier, above £10,000, are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder)

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the hon. Member’s Parliamentary Question of 20th July is attached and below.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician

Kenny MacAskill MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

12 August 2022

Dear Mr MacAskill,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking how much the UK Statistics Authority has spent on external consultants in each of the last five years; and if we will publish a breakdown of the (a) amountpaid to each consultancy contracted, (b) name of each consultancy contracted and (c) specific matters on which they were consulted (40939).

Table 1 provides the spend on externally contracted consultancy services for the UK Statistics Authority in each of the last five years.

Table 1: Spend on externally contracted consultancy services for the UK Statistics Authority in each of the last five years

Details of all Government contracts awarded from 2016 above £10,000 and £25,000 in the wider public sector are published on Contracts Finder[1]. Each award notice provides information on the name of the supplier, value of the contract, its purpose and information on the type of awarding procedure used. Government departments, their individual agencies and Arm’s Length Bodies are required to publish all spend against individual suppliers above £25,000 on GOV.UK[2].

All Government Departments and their individual ALBs and agencies are required to follow the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 in awarding contracts.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

Footnotes:

[1] https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder

[2] https://www.gov.uk/

The new Government Information Cell (GIC) draws together expertise from across government including but not limited to FCDO, DCMS, MoD and CO experts in assessment and analysis and counter-disinformation. The GIC was set up to identify and counter Russian disinformation targeted at UK and international audiences.

The staff deployed into the Cell continue to be paid for by their home departments - there are no additional staffing costs. The running and programme costs are being established but will be within existing budgets, including from the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

Upon her retirement from the Civil Service, the outgoing permanent secretary will receive payments under the terms of the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Details of all relevant payments will be published by the Scottish Government in their 2021-22 annual accounts in due course.

Significant engagement between the UK Government and the devolved administrations takes place every day. Officials working for the governments of the UK and Scotland are part of the same Civil Service and share the same culture and values, as set out in the Civil Service Code.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician

Kenny MacAskill MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

20 October 2021

Dear Mr MacAskill,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking what the tax revenues raised in Scotland were from (a) tax on dividends, (b) corporation tax and (c) capital gains tax in each of the last 10 years (58513); and how much tax revenue was raised from the (a) North East and (b) South East region of England from (a) tax on dividends, (b) corporation tax and (c) capital gains tax in each of the last 10 years (58514).

Tax revenues by region of the UK are published annually by the Office for National Statistics as part of the Country and Regional Public Sector Finances (CRPSF)¹, and these include estimates for corporation tax and capital gains tax. Taxes on dividends are not presented separately within the CRPSF publication and are instead included within estimates of income tax. A breakdown of taxes on dividends is unavailable. I further note that corporation tax amounts quoted exclude Offshore / North Sea corporation tax. Therefore, a table showing income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax and offshore corporation tax receipts for Scotland, the North East, and the South East for financial years 2010/11 to 2019/20 has been provided.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

1 Country and Regional Public Sector Finances

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician

Kenny MacAskill MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

20 October 2021

Dear Mr MacAskill,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking what the tax revenues raised in Scotland were from (a) tax on dividends, (b) corporation tax and (c) capital gains tax in each of the last 10 years (58513); and how much tax revenue was raised from the (a) North East and (b) South East region of England from (a) tax on dividends, (b) corporation tax and (c) capital gains tax in each of the last 10 years (58514).

Tax revenues by region of the UK are published annually by the Office for National Statistics as part of the Country and Regional Public Sector Finances (CRPSF)¹, and these include estimates for corporation tax and capital gains tax. Taxes on dividends are not presented separately within the CRPSF publication and are instead included within estimates of income tax. A breakdown of taxes on dividends is unavailable. I further note that corporation tax amounts quoted exclude Offshore / North Sea corporation tax. Therefore, a table showing income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax and offshore corporation tax receipts for Scotland, the North East, and the South East for financial years 2010/11 to 2019/20 has been provided.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

1 Country and Regional Public Sector Finances

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician

Kenny MacAskill MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0PW

19 October 2021

Dear Mr MacAskill,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question regarding the publication of Gross Domestic Product on a per capita basis for the population of (a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) England, (d) North East of England and (e) North West of England for each year between 2000 and 2019 (58515).

Table 1 shows gross domestic product per head¹ of population in pounds (£) for Scotland, Wales, England, North East of England and North West of England for each year between 2000 and 2019. The estimates in Table 1 are chained volume measures, which means the effects of inflation have been removed. These are often referred to as ‘real terms’ figures. Estimates in current prices, which include the effects of inflation, are also available².

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

1 ‘Per head’ is used in this release. ‘Per head’ and ‘per capita’ mean per individual of the population

2 Regional gross domestic product in current prices, along with all our other estimates of regional economic activity are available.

Whisky was the UK’s largest food and drink export in 2022 valued at £6.4bn. Negotiating tariff liberalisation for UK goods with FTA partners is a priority for HMG.

By successfully concluding our accession to CPTPP, we have secured elimination over time of Malaysian tariffs of around 80% on whisky. In addition, we removed the tariff applied by Australia on UK whisky in our recent FTA, which recently came into force on 31 May 2023.

We are also currently negotiating FTAs with more markets, such as India, where we are also seeking better access for whisky.

The Government has commenced negotiations with Singapore on a new, modern Investment Treaty.

Pre-negotiation consultation was not appropriate as these talks fulfil an existing commitment made in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and Singapore to deepen existing mutual obligations on investment protection.

In our negotiations with Singapore, we will seek to guarantee clear standards of fair treatment to each other’s investors. Any deal we sign will be in the best interests of the British people and the United Kingdom economy.

In 2022 the British Geological Survey (BGS) carried out its first criticality assessment and, according to economic vulnerability and supply risk, defined a cohort of minerals with high criticality for the UK: https://www.bgs.ac.uk/download/uk-criticality-assessment-of-technology-critical-minerals-and-metals/. The Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC) – led by the BGS – will evaluate the criticality of minerals on a regular basis, with the next assessment scheduled later this year.

In addition, the industry-led Task and Finish Group on Critical Mineral Resilience, announced as part of the Critical Minerals Strategy Refresh on 23^rd March, is investigating critical mineral dependencies, vulnerabilities, and opportunities across UK industry sectors, including manufacturers for clean energy technologies.

To help secure the supply of critical minerals, as well as increase confidence in the UK’s energy transition, government has published a Critical Minerals Refresh, setting out our refreshed approach to delivering the Critical Minerals Strategy. The UK has pockets of mineral wealth and as home to major global mining companies has unique strengths in mineral and mining expertise, R&D, finance, and standards.

“Potential for Critical Raw Material Prospectivity in the UK” was a study undertaken by the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre, a programme sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade and delivered by the British Geological Survey. This report delivers on the Critical Minerals Strategy’s commitment to collate geoscientific data and identify target areas of potential for critical minerals within the UK. It is a preliminary assessment, and its findings do not mean that the prospective areas identified will necessarily be targeted for exploration and mining. The Government is working with the British Geological Survey to understand next steps.

The Government launched the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC) in July 2022. It is a research programme, delivered via the British Geological Survey, to provide data and analysis on supply, demand, and market dynamics of critical minerals. Funding is provided by the Department for Business and Trade. CMIC does not hold legal status as an organisation and is not accountable to either the Scottish or UK Parliaments. A Memorandum of Understanding between Government and the British Geological Survey sets out the programme’s rationale, objectives, spend profile, deliverables and governance.

Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uks-first-critical-minerals-intelligence-centre-to-help-build-a-more-resilient-economy .

The Government supports the development of an internationally competitive electric vehicle supply chain through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF). Investment through the ATF will help to develop a high-value end-to-end electrified automotive supply chain in the UK by unlocking private investment, including in gigafactories. Government is also working internationally to minimise any harmful impacts on British business and has provided a response to the US Treasury consultation on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Ofgem have included comparisons between the 2019 and 2023 Typical Domestic Consumption Values (TDCVs) in respect of the October-December and January-March price cap periods at this link https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/increased-wholesale-energy-costs-lead-rise-price-cap. It will be for Ofgem to determine whether to make comparisons with the 2019 TDCVs for future price cap announcements.

Offshore windfarm developers already provide a range of community benefit packages which are developed in consultation with local communities. For projects based in Scotland, developers follow the Scottish Government’s Offshore Energy Good Practice Principles when creating a community benefit package.

The Government consulted on proposals for voluntary guidance for community benefits for electricity transmission network infrastructure. The consultation proposed to introduce voluntary guidance on the appropriate levels and forms of benefits to give communities the knowledge, power and flexibility to decide what benefits they want in consultation with the project developer. The consultation stated that this should apply for onshore infrastructure developed by offshore wind.

Since 2014, the Contracts for Difference scheme has proven itself highly effective at driving deployment of large-scale renewables while rapidly reducing costs. The scheme has now contracted over 30GW of new low-carbon capacity, including 20GW of offshore wind. The Government continuously reviews the scheme to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose as our electricity system evolves and we work towards our net zero ambitions. In 2022, the Government published a three-phase evaluation of the scheme, which found that the scheme was meeting its objectives. ^[1]

^[1]https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-contracts-for-difference-scheme

The new UK-Germany energy and climate partnership text was published on GOV.UK on Friday 3 November 2023. It is easily accessible through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero home page on GOV.UK.

The Department engages with developers on potential interconnection projects. Officials are aware of two further potential interconnection projects that are seeking to connect into Scotland, these are NorthConnect and LirIC.

The Government recognises that the development of a competitive and sustainable supply chain is crucial to its ambition to deliver up to 50GW of offshore wind by 2030, including up to 5GW of floating offshore wind.

The Government is working with industry through the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) on priorities for supply chain development, with the aim of securing strategic investments for the offshore wind supply chain.

The UK already has significant blade manufacturing facilities for offshore wind: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy’s facility at Hull, and Vestas’ facility on the Isle of Wight.

The way in which network charges are set, including questions about how network charges reflect where energy is produced and landed, is a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator.

The way in which network charges are set, including questions about how network charges reflect where energy is produced and landed, is a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator.

On 3 November 2023, my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State, signed a new partnership with Germany’s Vice Chancellor, Mr Robert Habeck. The partnership reaffirmed the UK and Germany's shared ambition to net zero, and committing to enhanced cooperation on offshore wind and electricity interconnection.

Officials have also met German industry to discuss projects which are in an early stage of development.

Ofgem, as the independent regulator, sets standing charges as part of the price cap, and standing charges include the network charges that Ofgem sets under the price controls.

Network charges vary by region to reflect the different costs of supplying consumers in each region. Ofgem carried out an assessment of moving away from regional charging and that showed that it would risk an increase in overall costs and reduce accountability to the customers being served.

The way in which network charges are set, including questions about how network charges reflect where energy is produced and landed, is a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator.

Wholesale and retail energy prices are a commercial matter and are set by the market.

Ofgem only calculates energy prices in so far as is necessary to set the maximum price for domestic default tariffs under the price cap.

Detail on how Ofgem calculate this can be found on their website: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/energy-price-cap-default-tariff-1-october-31-december-2023

Charging arrangements vary between transmission and distribution networks.

Transmission networks enable the bulk transfer of electricity across the country from sources of generation to local electricity distribution networks, with most costs charged on a national basis.

Transmission charges also feature a locational price signal, reflecting the costs that different users impose on the transmission network by connecting in different locations.

Local distribution networks convey electricity within a region. Distribution charges vary by Distribution Network Operator region, reflecting the different costs of running each local distribution network in a specific region and the number of consumers those costs are spread across.

There are different costs for the high-voltage transmission network (between regions) and local low-voltage distribution networks.

The only cost within the standing charge that varies by region relates to a component of the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) costs, reflecting the different costs of each local network and the number of consumers connected to it.

Outside the standing charge, transmission network costs feature a price signal (price per unit) which reflects the costs of connection between different regions.

Scotland is a net exporter of electricity, so consumers incur lower transmission charges than most of their counterparts in England and Wales.

Ofgem have explained that electricity network charges vary by region to reflect the costs of running the network in that area and the number of consumers that those costs are spread over. Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, is responsible for overseeing the allocation of network charges to network users, and the standing charge which includes some of the distribution costs. Ofgem has previously reviewed the regional differences in network charges, and it concluded that the current cost-reflective approach has advantages and supports an efficient system where overall network costs are minimised for consumers.

Decarbonised ammonia produced from low carbon hydrogen could play an important role in a future net zero energy system, including to decarbonise fertiliser production. Low carbon hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels like ammonia will also likely play a crucial role in decarbonising the maritime sector. Analysis commissioned by the Department for Transport estimated that by 2050 there could be 75-95TWh of demand for hydrogen-based fuels (principally in the form of ammonia) from UK domestic and international shipping.

The UK Hydrogen Strategy, published in August 2021, outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the UK's low carbon hydrogen economy over the 2020s.

Charging liability depends on the exact nature of a connection arrangement, but the general expectation is that a party would not incur charges and costs associated with the licensed electricity network if it is not connected to it.

Nuclear fuel and uranium for the UK generating fleet is procured by the operator, EDF Energy. EDFE have confirmed they are monitoring the situation to ensure no impact on UK supply. EDFE procure uranium from a variety of mining operators in a number of countries, including Niger, Kazakhstan, Canada and Australia.

Whilst the UK is not dependent on Niger for nuclear fuel, we recognise the importance of international security of supply of uranium and the Government is committed to working closely with industry, fuel suppliers and our international partners to achieve this.

On 13 September Ofgem published its decision on new rules for suppliers in relation to involuntary prepayment meter installations.

These rules will be implemented into supplier licence conditions on 8th November and therefore become mandatory.

The Code of Practice and current pause on involuntary prepayment meter installations that all suppliers have agreed to remain in place in the meantime.

On 13 September Ofgem published its decision on new rules for suppliers in relation to involuntary prepayment meter installations.

These rules will be implemented into supplier licence conditions on 8th November and therefore become mandatory.

The Code of Practice and current pause on involuntary prepayment meter installations that all suppliers have agreed to remain in place in the meantime.

The independent regulator Ofgem collects and publishes a range of data on pre-payment meters (PPMs), including the numbers of households that have been remotely switched to PPMs. Data is not available at parliamentary constituency level.

On 13 September Ofgem published its decision on new rules for suppliers in relation to involuntary prepayment meter installations. These rules will be implemented into supplier licence conditions on 8th November and therefore become mandatory. The Code of Practice and current pause on involuntary prepayment meter installations that all suppliers have agreed to remain in place in the meantime.

The independent regulator Ofgem collects and publishes a range of data on pre-payment meters (PPMs), including the numbers of households that have been remotely switched to PPMs. Data is not available at parliamentary constituency level.

On 13 September Ofgem published its decision on new rules for suppliers in relation to involuntary prepayment meter installations. These rules will be implemented into supplier licence conditions on 8th November and therefore become mandatory. The Code of Practice and current pause on involuntary prepayment meter installations that all suppliers have agreed to remain in place in the meantime.

The independent regulator Ofgem collects and publishes a range of data on pre-payment meters (PPMs), including the numbers of households that have been remotely switched to PPMs. Data is not available at parliamentary constituency level.

On 13 September Ofgem published its decision on new rules for suppliers in relation to involuntary prepayment meter installations. These rules will be implemented into supplier licence conditions on 8th November and therefore become mandatory. The Code of Practice and current pause on involuntary prepayment meter installations that all suppliers have agreed to remain in place in the meantime.

On 13 September Ofgem published its decision on new rules for suppliers in relation to involuntary prepayment meter installations. These rules will be implemented into supplier licence conditions on 8 November and therefore become mandatory. The Code of Practice that all suppliers have agreed to remain in place in the meantime.

On 13 September Ofgem published its decision on new rules for suppliers in relation to involuntary prepayment meter installations. These rules will be implemented into supplier licence conditions on 8 November and therefore become mandatory. The Code of Practice that all suppliers have agreed to remains in place in the meantime. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will continue to monitor the behaviour of suppliers and regulators going forwards and won't hesitate to intervene if necessary.

Information about the number of SMETS1 meters enrolled onto the smart metering network is available as part of official quarterly statistics reporting:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/smart-meters-in-great-britain-quarterly-update-june-2023

Information about the number of SMETS1 meters enrolled onto the smart metering network is available as part of official quarterly statistics reporting:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/smart-meters-in-great-britain-quarterly-update-june-2023

The sourcing of fuel for the UK's operational civil nuclear power plants is a commercial decision for the plant operator, which in all instances is EDF.

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.

The DCC is currently developing a business case exploring solutions, including an option for using already available internet-connected Consumer Access Devices to provide smart services, which require a broadband connection. The Department expects to receive initial proposals from DCC shortly for review.

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.

All first generation SMETS1 meters should be operating in smart mode by the end of 2023, substantively as a result of energy suppliers enrolling these into the national communications infrastructure as required under their Licence Conditions. Ofgem is responsible for regulating energy suppliers against their enrolment obligations.

Enrolment into the national communications infrastructure enables automatic billing, but also allows SMETS1 consumers to get the best deal by switching without losing smart services.

The Department does not hold data on the number of SMETS1 meters by Local Authority.

All first generation SMETS1 meters should be operating in smart mode by the end of 2023, substantively as a result of energy suppliers enrolling these into the national communications infrastructure as required under their Licence Conditions. Ofgem is responsible for regulating energy suppliers against their enrolment obligations.

Enrolment into the national communications infrastructure enables automatic billing, but also allows SMETS1 consumers to get the best deal by switching without losing smart services.

The Department does not hold data on the number of SMETS1 meters by Local Authority.

All first generation SMETS1 meters should be operating in smart mode by the end of 2023, substantively as a result of energy suppliers enrolling these into the national communications infrastructure as required under their Licence Conditions. Ofgem is responsible for regulating energy suppliers against their enrolment obligations.

Enrolment into the national communications infrastructure enables automatic billing, but also allows SMETS1 consumers to get the best deal by switching without losing smart services.

The Department does not hold data on the number of SMETS1 meters by Local Authority.

All first generation SMETS1 meters should be operating in smart mode by the end of 2023, substantively as a result of energy suppliers enrolling these into the national communications infrastructure as required under their Licence Conditions. Ofgem is responsible for regulating energy suppliers against their enrolment obligations.

Enrolment into the national communications infrastructure enables automatic billing, but also allows SMETS1 consumers to get the best deal by switching without losing smart services.

The Department does not hold data on the number of SMETS1 meters by Local Authority.

All first generation SMETS1 meters should be operating in smart mode by the end of 2023, substantively as a result of energy suppliers enrolling these into the national communications infrastructure as required under their Licence Conditions. Ofgem is responsible for regulating energy suppliers against their enrolment obligations.

Enrolment into the national communications infrastructure enables automatic billing, but also allows SMETS1 consumers to get the best deal by switching without losing smart services.

The Department does not hold data on the number of SMETS1 meters by Local Authority.

While the setting of tariffs is a commercial matter for suppliers, customers on default tariffs are protected by Ofgem’s price cap.

The phase-out of the radio teleswitch service (RTS) for Economy 7 and 10 meters is a matter for Ofgem and electricity suppliers. I understand that suppliers are required to contact customers to arrange to upgrade their meter and replace it with a smart meter, so that they can continue to access the same tariffs.

The Data Communications Company (DCC) was responsible for leading the design, build test and implementation of the overall end-to-end solution for second generation meters. Mesh based solutions were chosen by Telefonica (now Virgin Media O2) and Arqiva who are service providers contracted to DCC to supplement their primary wide area network technologies to meet their coverage obligations.

The mesh technology is installed and commissioned by energy suppliers (as part of a smart meter installation) as directed by the Data and Communications Company’s Wide Area Network coverage checker.

The Data Communications Company (DCC) is obligated under licence to provide coverage to 99.25% of premises in Great Britain. Ofgem is responsible for regulating the DCC against its obligations.

We do not hold information about the signal strengths obtained during field tests.

As set out in the autumn statement, we are exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms. The government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review, including with respect to the most vulnerable households.

Discussions are underway with industry and the relevant Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) service providers to secure the ongoing operation of RTS into 2025. Nonetheless, the Government expects energy suppliers to upgrade households with RTS to smart meters as soon as possible, so they can access smart meter benefits in good time, including a broader range of competitive multi rate tariffs.

Households should contact their energy supplier to arrange their smart meter installation and discuss individual tariff arrangements, as suppliers are best placed to advise based on knowledge of individual circumstances.

Energy suppliers will engage their Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) customers to arrange their smart metering upgrades. However, to benefit from smart meters at the earliest opportunity, RTS users should contact their energy supplier as soon as possible to book their installation.

Households will need to liaise with their energy supplier to understand the default tariff arrangements for those without smart meters after 31 March 2024, as this will vary according to individual circumstances.

The Government expects that by transferring to smart meters, Radio Teleswitch Service users will be able to access a better range of competitive, flexible and dynamic tariffs, that reward them for using electricity away from peak times, or when there is excess clean electricity available.

In addition, smart meter enabled energy savings mean a typical household on a dual fuel tariff on average will currently save £46 annually.

Energy suppliers are responsible for the financial incentives they offer to their customers, and the effectiveness of such approaches is a matter for individual companies.

The decision to proceed with an energy supplier-led rollout, supported by a central communications infrastructure, was taken following a wide assessment of options and extensive stakeholder consultation in 2009.

The Government concluded that this approach would have more consumer benefits as suppliers had existing, direct relationships with their customers, unlike energy infrastructure companies and it avoided the costs of changing responsibility for metering services.

The Government consider that this remains the right approach for the installation of smart meters and changing it at this stage would slow down rollout progress considerably, reducing the resultant benefits for consumers and the energy system.

The Data Communications Company (DCC) is obligated under the conditions of its licence to provide Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain. There are currently 27.4 million meters connected to the WAN across Great Britain. The Government do not hold this data by region.

Energy suppliers are obligated under the conditions of their licences to take all reasonable steps to ensure their customers’ smart meters are functional. This includes replacing meters that have reached the end of their life or have been found to be faulty. The Government do not hold data on how many meters on the WAN have been replaced since 2021.

The Data Communications Company (DCC) is obligated under the conditions of its licence to provide Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain. There are currently 27.4 million meters connected to the WAN across Great Britain. The Government do not hold this data by region.

Energy suppliers are obligated under the conditions of their licences to take all reasonable steps to ensure their customers’ smart meters are functional. This includes replacing meters that have reached the end of their life or have been found to be faulty. The Government do not hold data on how many meters on the WAN have been replaced since 2021.

The Data Communications Company (DCC) is obligated under the conditions of its licence to provide Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain. There are currently 27.4 million meters connected to the WAN across Great Britain. The Government do not hold this data by region.

Energy suppliers are obligated under the conditions of their licences to take all reasonable steps to ensure their customers’ smart meters are functional. This includes replacing meters that have reached the end of their life or have been found to be faulty. The Government do not hold data on how many meters on the WAN have been replaced since 2021.

The UK and Norway have a bilateral treaty on electricity interconnection which underpins the close cooperation on further interconnection between the UK and Norway. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uknorway-agreement-on-cross-border-trade-in-electricity-and-cooperation-on-electricity-interconnection-ts-no182021

National Grid Ventures and Statnett jointly own an electricity interconnector, North Sea Link, between Great Britain and Norway (1.4 GW) which has been in operation since October 2021.

The UK and Norway have a bilateral treaty on electricity interconnection which underpins the close cooperation on further interconnection between the UK and Norway. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uknorway-agreement-on-cross-border-trade-in-electricity-and-cooperation-on-electricity-interconnection-ts-no182021

National Grid Ventures and Statnett jointly own an electricity interconnector, North Sea Link, between Great Britain and Norway (1.4 GW) which has been in operation since October 2021.

The Government expects energy suppliers to upgrade households with Radio Teleswitching Services to smart meters by 31 March 2024, so they can continue to benefit from multi rate tariffs. Households with Radio Teleswitching Systems should engage their energy suppliers to arrange their smart metering installations as soon as possible to help facilitate this.

Households will need to liaise with their energy supplier to understand the default tariff arrangements for those without smart meters after 31 March 2024, as this will vary according to individual circumstances.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to Question UIN 193247.

The Government expects energy suppliers to upgrade households with Radio Teleswitching Services to smart meters by 31 March 2024, so they can continue to benefit from multi rate tariffs. Households with Radio Teleswitching Systems should engage their energy suppliers to arrange their smart metering installations as soon as possible to help facilitate this.

Households will need to liaise with their energy supplier to understand the default tariff arrangements for those without smart meters after 31 March 2024, as this will vary according to individual circumstances.

Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) is an industry led system, and discussions are underway with the relevant RTS service providers to secure the ongoing operation of RTS into 2025.

Smart meters are the natural technology upgrade for RTS. Energy suppliers are in the process of contacting consumers using RTS to upgrade to smart meters, which provide a range of flexible and dynamic tariffs to consumers, rewarding them for using electricity away from peak times. All smart meters can support tariffs which charge different prices throughout the day and night.

Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) is an industry led system, and discussions are underway with the relevant RTS service providers to secure the ongoing operation of RTS into 2025.

Smart meters are the natural technology upgrade for RTS. Energy suppliers are in the process of contacting consumers using RTS to upgrade to smart meters, which provide a range of flexible and dynamic tariffs to consumers, rewarding them for using electricity away from peak times. All smart meters can support tariffs which charge different prices throughout the day and night.

Ofgem rules, including an Ability to Pay Principle, obligate suppliers to provide support for those struggling to pay their bills by setting up appropriate repayment plans based on a customer’s ability to pay, and by directing the customer to further support services. Ofgem has recently consulted on proposals to ensure suppliers intervene as early as possible to offer support where customers have fallen behind with bills. This consultation closed on 1 June, and Ofgem will announce its response in due course.

As set out in the autumn statement, we are exploring the best approach to consumer protection from April 2024, as part of wider retail market reforms.

The Department has recently published a map of installations broken down by local authority in its Q1 2023 statistics report, which can be accessed at www.gov.uk by searching for ‘Smart meters March 2023’.[1]

Updated annual data on smart meter installation progress broken down by each local authority will next be published in Q1 2024.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/smart-meters-in-great-britain-quarterly-update-march-2023

The smart metering system in Great Britain has been designed to enable a range of flexible and dynamic tariffs that reward energy consumers for using electricity away from peak times, or when there is excess clean electricity available.

Suppliers are in the process of contacting consumers using the Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) to encourage them to upgrade to smart meters. This upgrade will ensure continued access to ‘time of use’ tariffs, including Economy 7. All smart meters can support tariffs which charge different prices throughout the day and night.

The RTS will remain operational until at least 31st March 2024.

Armed policing is used to protect only the most critical infrastructure. I am unable to comment on specific security measures at specific sites. The security measures at critical energy sites are implemented as a result of expert advice on the most effective measures that are proportionate to the threat and the type of infrastructure to be protected.

Armed policing is used to protect only the most critical infrastructure. I am unable to comment on specific security measures at specific sites. The security measures at critical energy sites are implemented as a result of expert advice on the most effective measures that are proportionate to the threat and the type of infrastructure to be protected.

The £1bn CCS Infrastructure Fund (CIF) forms part of a package of Government support to provide industry with the certainty required to deploy CCUS at pace and at scale. On 15 March 2023 my Rt hon Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced an unprecedented up to £20 billion investment in the early development of CCUS. The Government has committed to setting out a vision for the CCUS sector that will support net zero ambitions and raise investor confidence.

Since its launch the Government has committed up to £40m of the CIF to support early-stage design work in industrial clusters via the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge (IDC) Fund. UKRI announced the outcome of the challenge in March 2021 allocating a total of £171m, including £31m in funding for Scotland’s net zero infrastructure (offshore and onshore). The majority of CIF will be allocated through the ongoing Cluster Sequencing process.

The CIF will primarily be allocated through the Cluster Sequencing process to contribute to the capital costs of the T&S network and ICC projects. To maximise participation, diversity and resilience in the Cluster Sequencing process, the Government has also committed up to £40m of the CIF to support early-stage design work in industrial clusters via the existing Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge (IDC) Fund.

The eligibility and assessment criteria for Phase 1 and 2 of the Cluster Sequencing Process are published within the Phase 1 and Phase 2 guidance. Clusters and projects were assessed against several criteria including deliverability, emissions reduction potential, economic benefits, cost considerations, and learning and innovation.

The Government is engaging with the Scottish Government on the development and implementation of all aspects of CCUS. Typically, CO₂ will be stored in geological formations offshore, within depleted oil or gas fields or saline aquifers.

The UK’s transport and storage facilities have the potential to become strategic national assets. With an estimated 78 billion tonnes of theoretical CO₂ storage capacity in the UK Continental Shelf.

The £289m Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) supports industrial sites located in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To date, the Government has allocated funding across five competitive application windows. Allocations by financial year are as follows:

2020-2021, £22m

2021-2022, £26.2m

2022-2023, £119.6m

These figures do not include funding for projects that have chosen to withdraw from the programme. Further IETF allocations will be made once funding decisions for the final window of Phase 2 have concluded in Summer this year.

Scottish sites are supported by the Scottish IETF. The £34m SIETF budget is administered by the Scottish Government, and we do not hold the data on annual allocations.

Data on the number of domestic gas meters in Great Britain, Scotland, England and Wales are published annually in subnational gas consumption statistics. Gas meters are classified as domestic or non-domestic based on a consumption threshold which means that some smaller commercial properties will be classified as domestic.

Data on the number of domestic gas meters in Northern Ireland are published annually in subnational gas consumption statistics in Northern Ireland. Gas meters are classified as domestic or non-domestic based on a profile marker which indicates if the meter relates to a domestic or non-domestic consumer.

The Government has launched Track-2 of the Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) cluster sequencing process which aims to establish two CCUS clusters, contributing to the ambition to capture 20-30 mega-tonnes of CO2 per year across the economy by 2030.

The expression of interest application window for Track-2 has now closed. The Government will provide an update on next steps in the summer.

The Government views hydrogen as an important component of the future energy system to provide low carbon flexibility as it integrates more intermittent renewables. Excess renewable electricity can be used to produce hydrogen. This could have a range of potential uses. Hydrogen could generate power when there is less wind or sun, for transport and industry or potentially heating buildings.

Further evidence is required on whether gas networks can be converted to use 100% hydrogen. This includes independent gas networks operated as Statutory Independent Undertakings. The Government is working with industry and regulators to build the necessary evidence base.

The 2021 Spending Review confirmed the following allocation for the Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) Infrastructure Fund (£ bn current prices).

The £1 billion CIF allocation at SR21 is spread over a longer period than as announced at Spending Review 2020 reflecting information received from project developers in the CCUS clusters. The Government has committed up to £40m of the CIF to support early-stage design work in industrial clusters via the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge (IDC) Fund. The majority of CIF will be allocated through the ongoing Cluster Sequencing process. The Hynet and East Coast Clusters have been confirmed as track 1 clusters for the mid-2020s and will be taken forward into Track-1 negotiations for support through the relevant business models, including CIF.

No such discussions have taken place. This department is responsible for energy planning decisions under the Planning Act, which does not cover Scotland. Decisions in Scotland are for the Scottish authorities. The deciding minister for planning decisions does not discuss particulars of live planning cases outside the proper planning process.

Scotland has a key role to play in the development of a UK hydrogen economy, including through carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) enabled hydrogen. The UK and Scottish Government engage regularly on hydrogen policy developments at both official and ministerial level.

The Government is engaging with the Scottish Government on the development and implementation of all aspects of CCUS, including the re-purposing of oil and gas infrastructure. The Government’s proposed update to Change of Use Relief through the Energy Bill seeks to remove potential barriers to re-purposing, and is in large part a direct consequence of the positive engagement held with the Acorn CCUS project in Scotland.

In March 2023, the Government announced the first 15 successful applicants to Strands 1 and 2 of the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF). Four are Scottish projects, in Inverness, East Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Kintore, which have been awarded a total of £11.7 million in development and capital grant funding.

The Government also announced the 20 shortlisted projects entering due diligence in the first electrolytic hydrogen allocation round, which will offer capital and revenue support from the NZHF and Hydrogen Production Business Model. Five of the shortlisted projects are based in Scotland and the Government aims to award contracts to successful projects in Q4 2023.

In March 2023, the Government announced the first 15 successful applicants to Strands 1 and 2 of the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF). Four are Scottish projects, in Inverness, East Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Kintore, which have been awarded a total of £11.7 million in development and capital grant funding.

The Government also announced the 20 shortlisted projects entering due diligence in the first electrolytic hydrogen allocation round, which will offer capital and revenue support from the NZHF and Hydrogen Production Business Model. Five of the shortlisted projects are based in Scotland and the Government aims to award contracts to successful projects in Q4 2023.

The Government determined if a Meter Point Administration Numbers (MPANs) was eligible by taking a list of all domestic MPANs and removing those which are in on gas grid postcodes or where the local area predominantly uses electricity for heating, as defined by the most recent Census in their area.

For technical and data handling reasons, the Government did not ascertain the address associated with each MPAN, and could therefore not determine the primary residence status of each property.

The guidance does not include any specific detail regarding second homes and holiday homes.

For the main Alternative Fuel Payment scheme, energy suppliers were obliged to pay customers during February, for which Government produced a list of eligible Meter Point Administration Numbers (MPANs) and told electricity suppliers to pay those customers. Guidance to suppliers on how this process should be completed was published on January 23rd and is available here:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-alternative-fuel-payment-afp-scheme-in-great-britain-guidance-for-electricity-suppliers.

The Alternative Fuel Payment scheme is being delivered by suppliers. Suppliers were obliged to pay customers during February, for which Government produced a list of eligible Meter Point Administration Numbers (MPANs) and told electricity suppliers to pay those customers. Guidance to suppliers on how this process should be completed was published on January 23rd and is available here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-alternative-fuel-payment-afp-scheme-in-great-britain-guidance-for-electricity-suppliers.

Electricity suppliers, who delivered the automatic enrolment element of the scheme, recently provided MPAN-level delivery data to Government. Transparency data will be published in due course.

Operators of Airbnb and holiday homes in Great Britain are eligible for the £150 Non-domestic Alternative Fuel Payment if they are situated in an off gas grid postcode, have a non-domestic contract with their electricity supplier, and have an active and energised electricity meter with positive energy usage. Each customer is eligible for one payment per unique address.

Data is still being collected regarding the Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Fund, and the Department will be publishing transparency data in due course.

Suppliers report on a monthly basis how many vouchers have expired that month. They also report how many vouchers they have reissued each month. Reissued vouchers are not factored into 'payments delivered' in the publication tables, this covers only the first time a supplier makes an EBSS payment. The transparency data on Energy Bills Support Scheme GB payments made by electricity suppliers to customers and can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support-scheme-payments-made-by-electricity-suppliers-to-customers.

Applicants are asked to self-declare when making an application whether an address given is their primary residence. Local Authorities are required to check this self-declaration against their Council Tax records.

The Government have required applicants to self-declare when making an application to the Alternative Fund whether an address given is their primary residence. The Department has provided guidance to Local Authorities regarding steps which should be taken in regard to verification. If at any stage a Local Authority is aware that property was not the primary resident of the address at the time of the application, then this is treated as suspected fraud.

Following a request from the Secretary of State, all suppliers have provided data on warrants. The Government has published this data, showing that over 94,000 prepayment meters were forcibly installed under warrant last year. More information can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/news/just-three-energy-suppliers-making-up-over-70-of-all-forced-installation-of-prepayment-meters.

Following a request from the Secretary of State, all suppliers have provided data on warrants. The Government has published this data, showing that over 94,000 prepayment meters were forcibly installed under warrant last year. More information can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/news/just-three-energy-suppliers-making-up-over-70-of-all-forced-installation-of-prepayment-meters.

Data is still being collected regarding the Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Fund, and the Department will be publishing transparency data in due course.

Electricity suppliers, who deliver the automatic enrolment element of the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme, recently provided MPAN-level delivery data to Government. Transparency data will be published in due course.

The Department was not approached for guidance. Seabed leasing in Scottish waters is the responsibility of Crown Estate Scotland.

The Government will not be publishing data on Alternative Fuel Payments being claimed by second homeowners or holiday homes, as the Government has taken the decision to only allow people to apply to the AFP Alternative Fund for their main homes.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme has delivered £400 to assist households with energy costs this winter. The Government encourage traditional prepayment meter users to redeem their vouchers and apply the credit to their meter as soon as possible. Vouchers have been sent each month, between October and March, via text, email or post by electricity suppliers. Vouchers that have expired or been damaged or lost can be reissued by suppliers on request from the customer. All vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June 2023.

Following the closure of the Scheme, all unused funds will be returned to HM Treasury.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme has delivered £400 to assist households with energy costs this winter. The Government encourage traditional prepayment meter users to redeem their vouchers and apply the credit to their meter as soon as possible. Vouchers have been sent each month, between October and March, via text, email or post by electricity suppliers. Vouchers that have expired or been damaged or lost can be reissued by suppliers on request from the customer. All vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June 2023.

Following the closure of the Scheme, all unused funds will be returned to HM Treasury.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme has delivered £400 to assist households with energy costs this winter. The Government encourage traditional prepayment meter users to redeem their vouchers and apply the credit to their meter as soon as possible. Vouchers have been sent each month, between October and March, via text, email or post by electricity suppliers. Vouchers that have expired or been damaged or lost can be reissued by suppliers on request from the customer. All vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June 2023.

Following the closure of the Scheme, all unused funds will be returned to HM Treasury.

The standing charge reflects the on-going costs that fall on a supplier to provide and maintain a live supply to a customer’s premises.

As announced in the Spring Budget 2023, the Government will remove the premium paid by households using prepayment meters by bringing their charges in line with comparable direct debit customers until the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) ends. This measure will eliminate the premium paid by households on prepayment meters, which is worth around £45 per year.

In setting the level of the price cap, Ofgem calculates the costs of metering and payment methods, and produces price cap levels for credit meters paying by direct debit and for prepayment meters. This also takes account of different network costs across the network regions. Ofgem’s calculations can be found at:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/default-tariff-cap-level-1-april-2023-30-june-2023.

The Government has announced that the cost differential between customers paying by direct debit and prepayment customers will be covered through the Energy Price Guarantee from 1 July this year, saving a comparable prepayment meter customer £45 a year on average.

Standing charges are a matter for energy suppliers. The standing charge reflects the ongoing costs that fall on a supplier to provide and maintain a live supply to a customer’s premises.

As announced in the Spring Budget 2023, the Government will remove the premium paid by households using prepayment meters by bringing their charges in line with comparable direct debit customers until the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) ends. This measure will eliminate the premium paid by households on prepayment meters, which is worth around £45 per year.

There are currently 342 oil and gas production facilities in the North Sea and West of Shetland, of which 297 are fixed platforms. The exact locations of these can be found via the North Sea Transition Authority’s offshore interactive map via:

www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=f4b1ea5802944a55aa4a9df0184205a5.

According to Westwood Energy RigLogix service, there are currently 31 mobile oil and gas drilling rigs located in the North Sea and West of Shetland. Of these, 19 are currently either on active operations or moving to location, seven are awaiting deployment, and five are in shipyards undergoing inspection, maintenance, or modification.

Ofgem is responsible for enforcement of licence conditions. Ofgem is undertaking a further compliance review and will determine any sanctions.

Information on consumer rights and options for recourse can be found at:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/check-prepayment-meter-rules.

Financial support for network infrastructure projects, including the Peterhead and Torness projects, is regulated by Ofgem as the independent energy regulator through the ‘RIIO’ price controls. While the government engages with Ofgem and network operators regularly, decisions on network investment are a matter for Ofgem. The Government welcomes strategic transmission network projects and their acceleration to support the 2030 offshore wind ambition, as set out in Ofgem’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment framework.

The value of electricity can be estimated using recent wholesale electricity prices, which are published regularly on Ofgem’s website. It is worth noting that wholesale electricity prices have been volatile over recent years and vary by season. Wholesale electricity prices for 2030 would be more challenging to estimate accurately, though current prices could be used as a proxy. Alternatively, retail prices could be used to derive the retail value of electricity. These are published by the Government and can be found in table 4 on this link.

The value of electricity can be estimated using recent wholesale electricity prices, which are published regularly on Ofgem’s website. It is worth noting that wholesale electricity prices have been volatile over recent years and vary by season. Wholesale electricity prices for 2030 would be more challenging to estimate accurately, though current prices could be used as a proxy. Alternatively, retail prices could be used to derive the retail value of electricity. These are published by the Government and can be found in table 4 on this link.

The Government has published a 5-point plan to tackle bad behaviour by energy suppliers. This includes a call for suppliers to stop the practice of forced prepayment switching and look at how else they can support those struggling to pay their bills. The Government has also demanded that suppliers share the number of warrants they’ve applied for in recent months and plans to publish the findings.

The Government has set out its 5-point plan regarding prepayment meters and Ministers will keep the House updated on its progress. Ofgem has launched a new prepayment meter investigation, in response to the 5-point plan: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/letter-jonathan-brearley-secretary-state-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy-tackling-inappropriate-energy-supplier-prepayment-meter-practices.

Prepayment meters (PPMs) allow customers to pay for energy on a pay-as-you-go basis and serve an important function by helping the avoidance of debt and court action. Ofgem has stringent rules on the force-fitting of prepayment meters and is responsible for ensuring licensed energy suppliers comply with those rules. Ofgem publishes details of its compliance and enforcement action on its website at: www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/compliance-and-enforcement.

Ofgem’s license conditions currently allow energy suppliers to force fit prepayment meters (PPMs) as a last resort.

The Government's 5-point plan on PPMs forms part of a wider effort to ensure that energy users are protected at this challenging time. Additionally, Ofgem has asked suppliers to pause the installation of PPMs under warrant until they have assured Ofgem that they are following all relevant regulations.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has written to domestic energy suppliers asking them to share what steps they are taking to identify consumers who may have had a Pre-payment meter installed inappropriately, and confirm that where such customers are identified, appropriate action will be taken. All domestic suppliers have been asked to pause the installation of pre-payment meters under warrant until they have assured Ofgem that they are compliant with all relevant regulations and obligations.

The Department meets regularly with a range of stakeholder to discuss energy retail market issues. Decisions about standing charges are a commercial matter for energy suppliers. The standing charge is a fixed charge that suppliers pass on to their customers to cover the cost of providing a live supply. One component of the standing charge cost relates to transmission and distribution charges, which have recently increased due to the Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) levy. The Government, together with Ofgem, is looking at reforms to ensure financial resilience in the energy retail market.

The Department receives a number of representations about a range of issues relating to energy markets.

The energy regulator Ofgem has rules in place that restrict the force-fitting of a prepayment meter (PPM) on customers who are in debt, except as a last resort. Forcible installations of PPMs for the most vulnerable customers have been banned by Ofgem since 2017.

Ofgem rules also require energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to identify prepayment meter customers who are self-disconnecting and provide appropriate support.

I will be hosting a roundtable with suppliers, Ofgem, Energy UK and Citizens Advice to discuss the issue of prepayment meters and self-disconnection this week.

Ofgem only holds data for smart meters in prepayment mode that have disconnected, Ofgem does not hold data for traditional prepayment meter disconnections. One of the benefits of smart prepayment over traditional prepayment meters is the ability for energy suppliers to know when customers have gone off supply, and so offer timely support. Smart prepayment also enables consumers to track their balance easily, so they do not unknowingly run out of credit.

Ofgem holds data for Q1 – Q3 2022. The number of smart meters that disconnected at least once across this period are provided in the table below.

Ofgem does not collect data at the local authority or parliamentary constituency level.

There are strict Ofgem rules in place to protect prepayment meter customers. Suppliers are required to identify PPM customers who are self-disconnecting and to offer short-term support through emergency and friendly-hours credit as well as to offer additional support credit to PPM customers in vulnerable situations who have self-disconnected or self-rationed. Suppliers must also support all customers who are facing financial difficulties through the inclusion of Ability to Pay principles in the supply licence.

The Department meets regularly with Ofgem and energy suppliers to discuss energy retail market issues. As my Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State set out in the House, officials are working on measures to support PPM consumers and we will act as soon as possible to tackle this issue.

Ofgem has rules in place that restrict the force-fitting of a prepayment meter (PPM) on customers who are in debt, except as a last resort. Suppliers must assess whether installing a PPM, including the remote switching of a smart meter, is safe and reasonably practicable for the customer. This assessment should include identifying any vulnerability.

BEIS Ministers and officials regularly hold discussions with Ofgem and energy suppliers on a range of issues relating to the energy markets.

Forcible installations of prepayment meters for vulnerable customers have been banned by Ofgem since 2017. In addition, Ofgem has recently undertaken a Market Compliance Review assessing how suppliers support customers in vulnerable situation. Ofgem has started compliance engagement with suppliers and asked them to take action to address the weaknesses that have been identified.

Neither the Government nor Ofgem hold this data. Ofgem has strict rules in place that mean whenever suppliers install a prepayment meter, they must verify that it is safe and reasonably practicable to do so. This should include consideration of whether a customer’s vulnerability would make a prepayment meter inappropriate, for example where medical equipment is required.

Ofgem conducted a review assessing how suppliers support customers in vulnerable situations, including assessing suppliers’ processes for installing prepayment meters. To drive improvements, Ofgem has started compliance engagement with suppliers and required them to take action to address the weaknesses that have been identified. The Government expects suppliers to comply fully with their obligations.

Neither the Government nor Ofgem hold this data. Ofgem has strict rules in place that mean whenever suppliers install a prepayment meter, they must verify that it is safe and reasonably practicable to do so. This should include consideration of whether a customer’s vulnerability would make a prepayment meter inappropriate, for example where medical equipment is required.

Ofgem conducted a review assessing how suppliers support customers in vulnerable situations, including assessing suppliers’ processes for installing prepayment meters. To drive improvements, Ofgem has started compliance engagement with suppliers and required them to take action to address the weaknesses that have been identified. The Government expects suppliers to comply fully with their obligations.

Ofgem is the regulator for the GB energy market. According to Ofgem's figures for Q3 2022, there were 4,069,814 domestic prepayment meter customers in GB. Ofgem's figures provide a breakdown by nation with 3,322,511 prepayment meter customers in England, 497,943 in Scotland and 249,360 in Wales. Data is not available at the local authority or parliamentary constituency level.

Ofgem is the regulator for the GB energy market. According to Ofgem's figures for Q3 2022, there were 4,069,814 domestic prepayment meter customers in GB. Ofgem's figures provide a breakdown by nation with 3,322,511 prepayment meter customers in England, 497,943 in Scotland and 249,360 in Wales. Data is not available at the local authority or parliamentary constituency level.

The independent energy regulator Ofgem has rules in place that restrict the force-fitting of a prepayment meter on customers who are in debt, except as a last resort. Prepayment meters can help reduce the risk of customers entering, or exacerbating, debt. Ofgem rules require energy suppliers to only offer a prepayment service where it is safe and reasonably practicable to do so.

BEIS Ministers and officials regularly receive representations on a range of issues relating to energy markets.

Rules set by Ofgem mean suppliers can only charge more for one payment method than another if the price differential is cost reflective. Non-direct debit customers who prefer to receive paper energy bills by post cost more to serve than those with direct debit arrangements. Suppliers also incur charges for these customers to pay their energy bills by cash and cheque at facilities such as the Post Office or Paypoint.

In Scotland in Q3 2022, there were 497,943 customers on prepayment meters, of which 203,484 are smart meters and 294,459 are traditional meters.

In the UK in Q3 2022, there were 4,069,814 customers on prepayment meters, of which 2,041,635 are smart meters and 2,028,179 are traditional meters.

170,000 homes are using alternative fuel for heating in Scotland and over 1.2m homes do so across Great Britain as a whole.

The Government does not hold data on how many households have both.

In advance of households receiving the Alternative Fuel Payment in February, the Department has been working at pace with stakeholders including energy suppliers. The Department has shared draft guidance for the scheme, which will be published in due course.

Ofgem is the regulator for the GB Energy Market. According to Ofgem figures for Q3 2022, there were 294,459 traditional prepayment meters in Scotland and 2,028,179 in GB.

By 1 December 2022, 99% of vouchers had been issued to customers with traditional prepayment meters under the Energy Bills Support Scheme, and 66% had been redeemed. Vouchers are valid for three months and so the Government expects this figure to rise. The Government has not yet published geographical data. Data covering December will be published shortly. Monthly updates can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support-scheme-payments-made-by-electricity-suppliers-to-customers.

The Government welcomes strategic network projects such as the Torness and Peterhead links, and their acceleration to support 2030 offshore wind ambition, as set out in in Ofgem’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment framework. National Grid ESO estimates that these links will facilitate the transmission of an additional 5 TWh of energy from North to South in their first year.

Following a commitment in the British Energy Security Strategy, the Government is also looking to consult on community benefit options for communities hosting transmission network infrastructure.

As per the current Energy Bill Relief Scheme, those receiving gas or electricity delivered over public networks from non-licensed providers will also benefit from comparable support under the further schemes if necessary. The Government is seeking evidence from organisations unable to access the EBRS because they are non-licensed providers of energy or provide energy to businesses in non-standard ways. The Government welcomes energy providers’ responses by the closing date of 20 January 2023.

Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to determine the amount of funding allocated for network infrastructure projects, including the Torness and Peterhead projects. This includes regulating the cost of their build, ownership, operation and maintenance. The Government welcomes such strategic network projects and their acceleration to support the 2030 offshore wind ambition, as set out in Ofgem’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment framework. National Grid ESO estimates that these links will facilitate the transmission of an additional 5 TWh of energy from north to south in their first year.

Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to determine the amount of funding allocated for network infrastructure projects, including the Torness and Peterhead projects. This includes regulating the cost of their build, ownership, operation and maintenance. The Government welcomes such strategic network projects and their acceleration to support the 2030 offshore wind ambition, as set out in Ofgem’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment framework. National Grid ESO estimates that these links will facilitate the transmission of an additional 5 TWh of energy from north to south in their first year.

Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to determine the amount of funding allocated for network infrastructure projects, including the Torness and Peterhead projects. This includes regulating the cost of their build, ownership, operation and maintenance. The Government welcomes such strategic network projects and their acceleration to support the 2030 offshore wind ambition, as set out in Ofgem’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment framework. National Grid ESO estimates that these links will facilitate the transmission of an additional 5 TWh of energy from north to south in their first year.

The UK has been closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Energy Charter Treaty’s modernisation process, including the positions taken by other Contracting Parties. The Government will continue to do so as part of its engagement with the Treaty’s modernisation process.

The UK has been an advocate for the Energy Charter Treaty modernisation on the basis that the modernised Treaty would be compatible with the Paris Agreement. The UK is monitoring developments on the modernisation process, including the positions taken by other Contracting Parties.

Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), generators using solar, wind and micro-combined heat and power (CHP) installations up to 50kW are required to demonstrate that their installation and installer are suitably certified to be eligible to receive SEG payments from a supplier. This may be a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate, but the SEG also recognises that other schemes may be equivalent to MCS. Further details about the SEG eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/smart-export-guarantee-guidance-generators

The Government does not record this data however Ofgem, as the regulator, does. According to Ofgem’s statistics, as of 31st December 2021, 7,352,529 and 6,266,228 consumers were on the Priority Services Register for electricity and gas respectively.

Ofgem requires all suppliers to provide a Priority Services Register for vulnerable consumers with additional, non-financial needs. Those on a Priority Service Register are offered a range of services relating to safety, access, and communication free of charge.

Prepayment meters enable customers to budget and can help reduce the risk of entering, or exacerbating, debt. When installing a prepayment meter, suppliers must consider whether this is appropriate for the specific customer, including whether this is safe and practical.

Ofgem also requires suppliers to maintain a Priority Services Register for vulnerable consumers with additional, non-financial needs. Those on a Priority Service Register are offered a range of free services relating to safety, access, and communication.

Whether a consumer is on the Priority Services Register is not necessarily relevant to whether a prepayment meter is appropriate for a specific customer.

Ofgem collects data separately on the number of individuals on the priority service register (PSR) and the number on pre-payment meters. As of the 31^st December 2021, 7,352,529 and 6,266,228 of consumers were on the PSR for electricity and gas respectively. In Q2 2022, 4,171,948 and 3,247,403 were on a pre-payment meter for gas and electricity respectively.

The Government announced on 21st September that it will provide support to non-domestic properties using alternative fuels. Further information will be provided shortly.

Ofgem rules restrict the force fitting of a prepayment meter to repay debt except as a last resort. Ofgem’s License Conditions require suppliers to consider all options for appropriate debt management. This can include installing a prepayment meter, but suppliers have to consider whether this is safe and practicable, including whether a prepayment meter is appropriate for the specific customer.

Prepayment meters enable customers to control and budget for the amount they spend and help mitigate the risk of going into, or exacerbating, existing debt.

Ofgem’s Licence Conditions require suppliers to consider all options for appropriate debt management. This can include installing a prepayment meter but suppliers have to consider whether this is safe and practicable, including whether a prepayment meter is appropriate for the specific customer. Ofgem rules restrict the imposition of a prepayment meter on those in arrears, except as a last resort.

The Government announced the winners of Phase 1 of the Long Duration Energy Storage Programme on 3 May 2022. Details of Phase 1 projects can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/longer-duration-energy-storage-demonstration-lodes-competition

Details of projects successful in progressing to Phase 2 will be announced on completion of a competitive down-selection process and commercial due diligence processes. Successful ‘Stream 1’ projects are expected to be announced in early 2023 and successful ‘Stream 2’ projects will be announced in due course.

The Growth Plan sets out the infrastructure projects that government will prioritise for acceleration, across transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. The list includes projects up and down the country and shows the UK government’s commitment to growth.

The list is not exhaustive, and the Government will be looking at acceleration opportunities right across the portfolio.

For all relevant projects covered by the North Sea Transition Deal, the North Sea Transition Authority uses the well-established Supply Chain Action Plan process to track and monitor these commitments to local content. Supply Chain Action Plans were introduced in 2018 to provide evidence that operators were deriving as much value as possible from their projects through open engagement with suppliers. The guidance was further updated earlier this summer to take account of the North Sea Transition Deal and Net Zero commitments.

This Department has not compiled a list of onshore sites used in decommissioning. Offshore oil and gas operators are required to report on progress whilst decommissioning installations or pipelines. On completion of a decommissioning project a close out report will be submitted to the Department detailing how the work has been executed. These reports detail which onshore site was used for decommissioning and are publicly available on our website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/oil-and-gas-decommissioning-of-offshore-installations-and-pipelines.

Through UK-wide growth funding schemes, the Government is enabling local areas to achieve net zero goals in ways that best suit their needs. Community energy projects, including solar farms, are encouraged within these schemes.

Ofgem also supports community energy projects and is now welcoming applications from community interest groups, co-operative societies, and community benefit societies to the Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.

Given the level of support already available, the Government has no current plans to take further steps to support the development of community-owned solar farms.

In April 2022, this Government, in the British Energy Security Strategy, committed to ensuring the deployment of sufficient large scale long duration electricity storage to balance the overall system by developing appropriate policy to enable investment by 2024.

The Government wants as many homes and small businesses as possible to be able to benefit from smart meters.

In order to drive continued rollout momentum, the Government has introduced minimum annual installation targets for energy suppliers. Energy suppliers are also obligated to take all reasonable steps to install a smart meter where a meter is fitted for the first time or when an existing meter needs to be replaced.

These licence conditions are regulated by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), which has a range of enforcement tools at its disposal.

The Government’s official statistics on the rollout of smart meters are available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters-statistics. These statistics are based on data from energy suppliers provided at Great Britain-level only.

The rollout is making good progress, with more than half of energy meters in Great Britain now smart. At end June 2022 there were 29.5 million smart and advanced meters in homes and small businesses across Great Britain, including 27.8 million smart meters in domestic properties.

The Government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund will provide up to £240m to develop and construct new production plants, and the Hydrogen Business Model will provide revenue support to production projects.

The first joint allocation round for electrolytic hydrogen projects seeking support under both schemes closed on 12 October. Four CCUS-enabled hydrogen projects have also been shortlisted to proceed to the due diligence stage of the Phase-2 Cluster Sequencing process.

The Government has also committed to design, by 2025, new business models for hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure, and is currently consulting on these.

We intend to deliver the Hydrogen Business Model and Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF) on a UK-wide basis. Projects will be selected on a competitive basis.

The Acorn project in Aberdeenshire, which includes hydrogen facilities, is a reserve Track-1 cluster.

We note the Scottish Government’s intention that funding available from the Emerging Energy Technologies Fund for hydrogen production will be complementary to, not duplicative of, the NZHF.

Government is also supporting industry to deliver projects that use hydrogen, including the H100 project in Fife, Levenmouth, which aims to trial the use of 100% hydrogen for heat in around 300 homes.

Energy suppliers are already obligated to take all reasonable steps to install a smart meter where a meter is fitted for the first time or when an existing meter needs to be replaced.

Smart meters can operate in credit or prepayment mode. Most recent figures showed 13% of all smart meters were in prepayment mode, broadly in line with the overall levels of prepayment meters in the market.

The Government is engaging with energy suppliers, industry payment bodies, and Ofgem to ensure that suppliers are accurately compensated for their actual energy usage during the Energy Price Guarantee’s reconciliation period. The Government has considered which data flows will most accurately reflect total energy use and will publish more details in due course.

At present approximately 94 decommissioning projects have been approved, all of which are at various stages of execution from onshore planning to offshore removal works. The decommissioning programme often does not include the location of onshore work but must make a commitment to select appropriately licenced contractors and sites to perform the dismantlement work.

The Government requires that decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations is undertaken in accordance with relevant UK and international regulatory obligations. The policy is underpinned by the principles of achieving a clear seabed, and those who benefited from exploitation or production of hydrocarbons bear responsibility for decommissioning, through decommissioning programme consultation and approval.

As part of the North Sea Transition Deal agreed between the Government and offshore oil and gas sector in 2021, the sector has set a voluntary target of 50% UK content, including capital investment for oil and gas decommissioning projects, and 30% for locally provided technology.

The use of biomass in the electricity sector is already supported by the Contracts for Difference Scheme, the Renewables Obligation Scheme and Feed in Tariff Scheme.

In the heat sector, the Government has recently consulted on a proposal temporarily to suspend the wood pellet quality requirements for the Renewable Heat Incentive to help increase the availability of pellets.

The Government is committed to ensuring all households receive equivalent levels of support for their energy bills.

In June 2022, the Government announced the Energy Bills Support Scheme which will provide £400 to all households, including those using alternative fuels, starting in October 2022.

The Government will also provide an additional payment of £100 to households across the UK who are not able to receive support for their heating costs through the Energy Price Guarantee. This might be because they live in an area of the UK that is not served by the gas grid and is to compensate for the rising costs of alternative fuels, such as heating oil.

The Government is committed to ensuring all households receive equivalent levels of support for their energy bills.

In June 2022, the Government announced the Energy Bills Support Scheme which will provide £400 to all households, including those using alternative fuels, starting in October 2022.

The Government will also provide an additional payment of £100 to households across the UK who are not able to receive support for their heating costs through the Energy Price Guarantee. This might be because they live in an area of the UK that is not served by the gas grid and is to compensate for the rising costs of alternative fuels, such as heating oil.

All Department’s consultancy costs including details of the provider are published on gov.uk here. Further transactions will be published during 2022.

The information requested on the specific matters consulted is not held centrally and can only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

The Government considers that it is important to remain a Party to the Energy Charter Treaty and support its modernisation, as the Government believes that a renegotiated Energy Charter Treaty will remain valuable in supporting clean energy investment in the future.

The Government welcomes the role of the Energy Charter Treaty in ensuring consistent legal protection for UK investors operating abroad. This allows UK companies, investing in countries that have signed the Treaty, to enjoy more protection for their assets, including those involved in renewable energy production.

Seabed leasing rounds are the responsibility of The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland. It is for them to set the parameters and run the rounds. The Government is not involved in the process.

The Government outlined its proposals for limited partnership reform in December 2018 in response to a consultation (link here). The reforms will modernise Limited Partnership law, helping to tackle illicit activity and the abuse of Scottish Limited Partnerships. The proposals include tightening registration requirements, requiring limited partnerships to demonstrate a firmer connection to the United Kingdom, increasing transparency requirements, and enabling the Registrar to strike from the register limited partnerships which are dissolved, or which are no longer carrying on business. The Government will be reforming the relevant legislation through the forthcoming Economic Crime and Transparency Bill.

Officials have had an active dialogue with counterparts from the Sottish Government and most recently met on 2 March 2022 to discuss Scottish Limited Partnerships. I anticipate that they will have further exchanges on this subject in due course.

The official statistics on companies and the total size of the register are made publicly available online by Companies House. The most recent data can be found in this link here and show that 5,706 limited partnerships were incorporated in Scotland in 2015/16, 4,932 in 2016/17, 2,689 in 2017/18, 751 in 2018/19, 657 in 2019/20 and 591 in 2020/21.

We are committed to making this country the best place in the world to work and grow a business, this includes business in the renewables sector as it is crucial to our target to reach Net Zero by 2050.

We will continue to consider and review the needs of the renewable energy sector and take action when appropriate.

This is a regulatory matter for Ofgem.

Decisions on licensing are for the independent regulator, Ofgem.

Information on the supply market and licenced suppliers can be found at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/retail-market-indicators.

When an energy supplier becomes insolvent, Ofgem has to the power to either appoint a Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) or seek consent from the BEIS Secretary of State to apply for an energy supply company administration order (SAR). This is a judgment for Ofgem, who take into account the specifics of the failed supplier and the circumstances in the supply market at the time.

The Price Cap protects 4 million pre-payment meter customers, ensuring those customers pay a fair price for their energy. The costs of managing prepayment meters compared to standard meters are higher due to the different metering requirements and different payment systems. Supply Licence Conditions, as enforced by Ofgem, stipulate charges must reflect the cost to the supplier.

The UK Government has not received representations from the Scottish Government on unregulated fuels such as heating oil.

The UK Government has not received representations from the Scottish Government on unregulated fuels such as heating oil.

Monthly outturn data showing domestic electricity consumption are available at:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1056669/ET_5.5_FEB_22.xlsx.

Data on domestic gas consumption are published on a quarterly basis only and are available at:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1053835/ET_4.1_DEC_21_v2.xlsx.

The Department does not publish forecasts of monthly consumption for either electricity or gas.

It is the regulator, Ofgem and not BEIS’s responsibility to monitor energy supply companies’ performance in the energy retail market. Standard Licence Condition 32 in the supply licence requires energy suppliers to submit information to Ofgem, Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland on their dealings with gas and electricity customers in a variety of areas and includes data on disconnections carried out by the licensee. The data is published on Ofgem’s Customer Service portal on its website at:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/customer-service-data.

It is the regulator, Ofgem and not BEIS’s responsibility to monitor energy supply companies’ performance in the energy retail market. Standard Licence Condition 32 in the supply licence requires energy suppliers to submit information to Ofgem, Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland on their dealings with gas and electricity customers in a variety of areas and includes data on disconnections carried out by the licensee. The data is published on Ofgem’s Customer Service portal on its website at:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/customer-service-data.

Electricity consumption in the nine English regions and each UK nation (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) is published annually in subnational electricity consumption statistics. Gas consumption in the nine English regions and each UK nation (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) is published annually in subnational gas consumption statistics.

Total energy consumption in the nine English regions and each UK nation is published annually in subnational total final energy consumption. This includes road transport and residual fuels, in addition to electricity and gas.

Total supply of energy in the UK is published annually in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics and quarterly in Energy Trends.

The principal source of information on households off the gas grid is the English Housing Survey and its equivalent surveys in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which provide data on heating system types and other household characteristics:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/english-housing-survey

https://gov.wales/household-estimates

https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-house-condition-survey/

https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-housing-statistics-2020-21.

Network utilities, such as the gas and electricity markets, are considered natural monopolies, characterised by high fixed costs. The heating oil, LPG and solid fuel markets do not share these characteristics, and so are not regulated by Ofgem.

The Government keeps the operation of consumer markets under review, but there are no plans for new regulation of these markets.

The Government is committed to ensuring that support is provided to help consumers deal with the impact of high wholesale energy costs.

UK Energy use is regularly published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-trends. This covers energy trends that focus on the supply and demand of coal, oil, gas, electricity and renewables in the United Kingdom.

The Department collects meter point electricity and gas consumption data. This meter point data is published annually in subnational electricity and gas consumption statistics. The data also forms part of the National Energy Efficiency Data-Framework, which provides electricity and gas consumption estimates for different property and household characteristics, and estimated consumption savings arising from installation of different energy efficiency measures.

Departmental estimates of domestic consumption are available in Table C9 of Energy Consumption in the UK. These estimates are based on the total amount of energy consumed in the UK divided by the number of households (for electricity consumption) and the number of gas customers (for gas consumption).

Data from Ofgem’s most recent Consumer Engagement Survey, published in April 2021, is displayed by the number of hours of disconnection nationally across Great Britain, not by region or UK nation.

The UK’s energy consumption has been on a long-term downward trend as a result of improved energy efficiency and structural changes to the economy. This trend will continue as the economy transitions towards net zero emissions by 2050. Shorter-term fluctuations in energy consumption are highly weather dependent - energy consumption is lower in the spring and summer and then rises in the autumn and winter. Domestic energy consumers in Great Britain will receive a £200 discount on their energy bills this Autumn, part of the Government’s £9.1 billion package of support to help households with rising energy bills.

The Regulator Ofgem monitors prepayment meter customers’ experiences with the energy market. Ofgem’s most recent Consumer Engagement Survey, published in April 2021, suggested that 21% of prepayment meter customers households had temporarily been disconnected from their supply. This report is available online at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/consumer-survey-2020-update-consumer-engagement-energy

The Price Cap continues to ensure that 22 million households, including the 4 million who use a pre-payment meter, pay a fair price for their energy.

In addition, Ofgem’s new licence conditions rules protect Prepayment Meter customers at risk of self-disconnection and include requirements on suppliers to offer emergency and friendly-hours credit to all these customers and to offer additional support credit to customers in vulnerable circumstances.

Ofgem is the British energy regulator and so this remains a reserved matter. The Chair and non-executive members of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority are appointed by my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Ofgem is the British energy regulator and so this remains a reserved matter. The Chair and non-executive members of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority are appointed by my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Ofgem is the British energy regulator and so this remains a reserved matter. The Chair and non-executive members of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority are appointed by my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

This is a matter for the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority board. The Government is not aware that any member has a particular focus for regulatory matters relating to Scotland.

The setting of tariffs is a commercial decision for energy suppliers. Since 2016, suppliers have been able to offer a greater range of tariffs to accommodate different customer needs, including tariffs with a low or even zero standing charge.

The payment of a standing charge reflects the fixed costs of providing and maintaining supply, regardless of energy usage, including meter rental, meter readings, accounting and billing and maintenance of the energy network. Tariffs with a low or zero standing charge attract a much higher unit rate to ensure these fixed supply costs are met.

The Government recognises the link between fuel poverty and ill health. Energy efficiency improvements remain the best way to tackle fuel poverty in the long term. Fuel poverty is a devolved matter, and support for low income and vulnerable households is available through schemes such as the Local Authority Delivery Scheme and the Energy Company Obligation. Financial support for energy bills is available nationally through the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment.

In addition, a new package of support to help households with their energy bills was announced on the 3 February. This includes a £200 discount on household energy bills this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain; a £150 non-repayable rebate on Council Tax bills for all households in Council Tax Bands A-D in England; and an additional £144 million of discretionary funding for Local Authorities to support households who are not eligible for the Council Tax rebate.

The Government replaced Social Tariffs in the energy sector with the Warm Home Discount Scheme from 2011. The Warm Home Discount scheme provides £140 in data matched, targeted support and from 2022/23 this will provide £150 to an extra 780,000 households, with around 2.7million households to receive support every year.

The Government is very aware of the difficulties that consumers have experienced as a result of the rise in energy prices. My Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a new package of support to help households with their energy bills on 3 February. This includes a £200 discount on household energy bills this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain; a £150 non-repayable rebate on Council Tax bills for all households in Council Tax Bands A-D in England; and an additional £144 million of discretionary funding for Local Authorities to support households who are not eligible for the Council Tax rebate.

When appointing a member to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority board, careful consideration is given by the Chair and Ministers to ensure the Board holds the relevant knowledge and experience to be an effective governance body.

Under the scope of the Offshore Transmission Network Review, National Grid ESO is currently working on a Holistic Network Design which will provide a national blueprint for how the offshore and onshore electricity network needs to evolve to facilitate UK 2030 offshore wind targets. Officials from Scottish Government, Marine Scotland and Crown Estate Scotland, as well as relevant statutory national bodies, are all directly involved in the Review and sit on its various governance fora.

The provision and regulation of network assets, including subsea cables, is a matter for Ofgem in its role as regulator, in conjunction with network operators. Officials engage regularly with the Scottish Government on electricity network matters.

Offshore wind projects in Scotland pay rent to Crown Estate Scotland, which in turn pays its profits into the Scottish Consolidated Fund. In Financial Year 2020/21, Crown Estate Scotland’s revenue from its Marine portfolio (which also includes non-offshore wind activities) was £8.9 million.

The Government is committed to the protection of workers’ rights for those in offshore employment.

The vast majority of employment rights in the UK are enforced by individuals through employment tribunals. The state enforces certain specific rights (national minimum wage, regulations on employment businesses, employment agencies, and certain labour providers involved in shellfish gathering and fresh produce supply). The relevant enforcement body in each area will take any action necessary to protect the workers within their remit, and to ensure that the records kept by employers, employment agencies, employment business, and labour providers meet the requirements of their respective legislation.

The right to the national minimum wage is enforced by HMRC. Since 2015, the Government has ordered employers to repay £100m to 1 million workers who had been underpaid. Businesses employing offshore workers may come under several Companies House sectors. The Low Pay Commission does not determine offshore workers as being at high risk of underpayment.

The Government is committed to the protection of workers’ rights for those in offshore employment. In 2020, the Government extended minimum wage entitlement to seafarers on domestic voyages. The Government expects all employers to comply with UK employment law.

The Government is committed to the protection of workers’ rights for those in offshore employment.

The vast majority of employment rights in the UK are enforced by individuals through employment tribunals. The state enforces certain specific rights (national minimum wage, regulations on employment businesses, employment agencies, and certain labour providers involved in shellfish gathering and fresh produce supply). The relevant enforcement body in each area will take any action necessary to protect the workers within their remit, and to ensure that the records kept by employers, employment agencies, employment business, and labour providers meet the requirements of their respective legislation.

The right to the national minimum wage is enforced by HMRC. Since 2015, the Government has ordered employers to repay £100m to 1 million workers who had been underpaid. Businesses employing offshore workers may come under several Companies House sectors. The Low Pay Commission does not determine offshore workers as being at high risk of underpayment.

Following a decision by EDF to close one of their nuclear power stations, which would be taken in consultation with the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the first phase of closure is defueling, and this takes several years with continued use of EDF’s uniquely experienced teams, and specialist supply chain companies, preserving jobs in a local community. A closure decision by EDF does not result in any specific additional support or resource being provided for the local authority in which the power station is located.

Following the defueling phase for the seven EDF-owned Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor power stations (all of which are due to close by 2028), each station will transfer to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to deliver the subsequent decommissioning activity. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has a duty to ensure that decommissioning activities benefit local communities and provide a beneficial legacy once decommissioning work is completed.

The Government is committed to the protection of workers’ rights for those in offshore employment. In 2020 the Government extended minimum wage entitlement to seafarers on domestic voyages. The Government expects all employers to comply with UK employment law.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has not received any direct communications from the Scottish Government on offshore oil and gas developments other than on the Cambo field recently.

The North Sea Transition Deal includes a commitment from industry for 50% of decommissioning spend to be within the UK. The Supply Chain and Exports Taskforce, that reports to the North Sea Transition Forum, is currently working to ensure all necessary support and guidance is in place to enable this commitment to be met.

All workers in UK territorial seas are entitled to employment rights, including the minimum wage. In 2020 the Government extended minimum wage entitlement also to seafarers on domestic voyages. The Government expects that all employers will comply with UK employment law.

The Government uses the Annual Survey of Hourly Earnings (ASHE) to estimate minimum wage underpayment by sector. Offshore renewables workers are not well defined by any single standard industry classification (SIC) code and may come under several sectors, e.g. manufacturing or electricity generation. The Low Pay Commission does not define offshore renewables workers as a low-paying sector and therefore we do not expect there to be a large number of low paid workers within the sector.

All workers in UK territorial seas are entitled to employment rights, including the minimum wage. In 2020 the Government extended minimum wage entitlement also to seafarers on domestic voyages. The Government expects that all employers will comply with UK employment law.

The Government uses the Annual Survey of Hourly Earnings (ASHE) to estimate minimum wage underpayment by sector. Offshore renewables workers are not well defined by any single standard industry classification (SIC) code and may come under several sectors, e.g. manufacturing or electricity generation. The Low Pay Commission does not define offshore renewables workers as a low-paying sector and therefore we do not expect there to be a large number of low paid workers within the sector.

All workers in UK territorial seas are entitled to employment rights, including the minimum wage. In 2020 the Government extended minimum wage entitlement also to seafarers on domestic voyages. The Government expects that all employers will comply with UK employment law.

The Government uses the Annual Survey of Hourly Earnings (ASHE) to estimate minimum wage underpayment by sector. Offshore renewables workers are not well defined by any single standard industry classification (SIC) code and may come under several sectors, e.g. manufacturing or electricity generation. The Low Pay Commission does not define offshore renewables workers as a low-paying sector and therefore we do not expect there to be a large number of low paid workers within the sector.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with the Scottish Government on a number of issues. Responsibility for investigating individual and market-wide competition issues falls to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK’s independent competition authority. The CMA has discretion to conduct market studies and investigations as it considers most appropriate.

Under competition law, responsibility for investigating individual and market-wide competition issues falls to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK’s independent competition authority. The CMA, which works independently from BEIS, has discretion to investigate competition cases which it considers most appropriate according to its prioritisation principles. Concerns about a market and evidence that features of a market may prevent, restrict or distort competition in UK markets can be submitted to the CMA via the following page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tell-the-cma-about-a-competition-or-market-problem.

The Department continues to engage constructively with energy intensive industries to further understand and to assess the possibility of offering help to mitigate the impacts of high global gas prices. Our priority is to ensure that costs are managed and that supplies of energy are maintained.

The Department continues to engage constructively with energy intensive industries to further understand and to assess the possibility of offering help to mitigate the impacts of high global gas prices. Our priority is to ensure that costs are managed and that supplies of energy are maintained.

The Department continues to engage constructively with energy intensive industries to further understand and to assess the possibility of offering help to mitigate the impacts of high global gas prices. Our priority is to ensure that costs are managed and that supplies of energy are maintained.

Nuclear power is an important part of an affordable, low carbon electricity system which is better protected against the volatility of global gas prices.

Under the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) funding model enabled by the Nuclear Energy (Finance) Bill, consumers would pay an allowed revenue during the construction period of a new nuclear project, which would be an average of less than £1 a month on a typical dual fuel energy bill.

However, we estimate that use of the RAB model will lower the cost of capital and ultimately save consumers more than £30bn on their bills for each new large-scale station, compared with existing funding mechanisms. The Bill’s impact assessment is available here. Granting a RAB licence would also be contingent on a project satisfying a detailed value for money assessment.

BEIS officials are engaging with Ofgem on its call for evidence on possible transmission charging reforms, to understand how any decisions can help support delivery of a secure, net zero energy system at lowest cost to consumers. The call for evidence was published on 1 October 2021, and is available at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/tnuos-reform-call-evidence. It runs until 12 November 2021.

BEIS officials are engaging with Ofgem on its call for evidence on possible transmission charging reforms, to understand how any decisions can help support delivery of a secure, net zero energy system at lowest cost to consumers. The call for evidence was published on 1 October 2021, and is available at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/tnuos-reform-call-evidence. It runs until 12 November 2021.

BEIS Ministers and officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the Scottish Government on a range of energy related matters, including transmission charges.

Transmission charging is a matter for Ofgem as the independent regulator, and it published a call for evidence on 1 October 2021 on possible transmission charging reforms. The Department is engaging closely as Ofgem progresses this work, to understand the implications of any decisions for different users, including offshore renewable energy projects.

National Grid Electricity System Operator publishes a report setting out a five year forecast of the tariff by geographic charging zone arising from Transmission Network Use of System charges, the latest version of which is available at: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/191116/download. This covers the period 2022/23 to 2026/27.

It publishes a report setting out final tariffs for each year, usually in the January preceding the start of a charging year in April. These reports are available at: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/charging/transmission-network-use-system-tnuos-charges.

National Grid Electricity System Operator publishes a report setting out a five year forecast of the tariff by geographic charging zone arising from Transmission Network Use of System charges, the latest version of which is available at: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/191116/download. This covers the period 2022/23 to 2026/27.

It publishes a report setting out final tariffs for each year, usually in the January preceding the start of a charging year in April. These reports are available at: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/charging/transmission-network-use-system-tnuos-charges.

The purpose of Phase-1 of the Cluster Sequencing process was to identify clusters which are best-suited to deployment in the mid-2020s window, these will be sequenced onto Track-1.

Clusters were selected through a transparent and objective assessment process. The details of this were published in May in the Phase 1 documents: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cluster-sequencing-for-carbon-capture-usage-and-storage-ccus-deployment-phase-1-expressions-of-interest.

Clusters submitted a range of detailed information on their structure, estimated costs and benefits, and technical project plans. To be eligible, clusters had to meet three eligibility criteria: that they could be operational by 2030, are located within the UK, and meet our definition of a CCUS cluster. These eligibility criteria were designed to reflect government targets and ambitions, to promote decarbonisation across the UK and to reflect the inherent interdependency of the CCUS chain.

Five clusters met the eligibility criteria and were taken forwards into the detailed assessment stage where they were scored against five criteria, as set out in the Phase-1 launch document: deliverability, emissions reduction potential, economic benefits, cost considerations, and learning and innovation. Scoring was informed by robust, specialist-led scrutiny of the cluster submissions. The clusters selected to be sequenced onto Track-1 were those with the highest combined weighted scores across the criteria.

The purpose of Phase-1 of the Cluster Sequencing process was to identify clusters which are best-suited to deployment in the mid-2020s window, these will be sequenced onto Track-1.

Clusters were selected through a transparent and objective assessment process. The details of this were published in May in the Phase 1 documents: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cluster-sequencing-for-carbon-capture-usage-and-storage-ccus-deployment-phase-1-expressions-of-interest.

Clusters submitted a range of detailed information on their structure, estimated costs and benefits, and technical project plans. To be eligible clusters had to meet three eligibility criteria: that they could be operational by 2030, are located within the UK, and meet our definition of a CCUS cluster. These eligibility criteria were designed to reflect government targets and ambitions, to promote decarbonisation across the UK and to reflect the inherent interdependency of the CCUS chain.

Five clusters met the eligibility criteria and were taken forwards into the detailed assessment stage where they were scored against five criteria, as set out in the Phase-1 launch document: deliverability, emissions reduction potential, economic benefits, cost considerations, and learning and innovation. Scoring was informed by robust, specialist-led scrutiny of the cluster submissions. The clusters selected to be sequenced onto Track-1 were those with the highest combined weighted scores across the criteria.

Ministers and officials from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy hold regular meetings with counterparts in the devolved administrations to discuss energy and decarbonisation policy.

The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) issue licences to search and bore for, and get, petroleum in the seabed and subsoil under the area.

These figures are publicly available from the Oil and Gas Authority and in historic annual reports.

The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) issue licences to search and bore for, and get, petroleum in the seabed and subsoil under the area.

These figures are publicly available from the Oil and Gas Authority and in historic annual reports.

On 19th October, the Government published its Heat and Buildings Strategy, where it commits to a decision by 2026 on the potential role for hydrogen in the gas grid. Low carbon hydrogen can be produced in a variety of ways, and the Government intends to develop further detail on the role of different production technologies in our hydrogen production strategy by early 2022.

The National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory estimates annual air quality and greenhouse gas pollutant emissions for the UK.

The use of animals in research is carefully regulated and remains important in ensuring new medicines and treatments are safe.   At the same time, the Government believes that animals should only be used when there is no practicable alternative and it actively supports and funds the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs).  This is achieved primarily through funding for the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of 3Rs technologies and ensure that advances in the 3Rs are reflected in policy, practice and regulations on animal research.  The NC3Rs is widely recognised as being world leading, supporting research and innovation that provides researchers in academia and industry with technologies that are more predictive, cost-effective and humane than current animal models.

Since the NC3Rs was launched it has committed £100 million through its research, innovation, and early career awards to provide new 3Rs approaches for scientists in academia and industry to use. This includes almost £27 million in contracts through its CRACK IT Challenges innovation scheme to UK and EU-based institutions, mainly focusing on new approaches for the safety assessment of pharmaceuticals and chemicals that reduce the use of animals.

The use of animals in research is carefully regulated and remains important in ensuring new medicines and treatments are safe.   At the same time, the Government believes that animals should only be used when there is no practicable alternative and it actively supports and funds the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs).  This is achieved primarily through funding for the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of 3Rs technologies and ensure that advances in the 3Rs are reflected in policy, practice and regulations on animal research.  The NC3Rs is widely recognised as being world leading, supporting research and innovation that provides researchers in academia and industry with technologies that are more predictive, cost-effective and humane than current animal models.

Since the NC3Rs was launched it has committed £100 million through its research, innovation, and early career awards to provide new 3Rs approaches for scientists in academia and industry to use. This includes almost £27 million in contracts through its CRACK IT Challenges innovation scheme to UK and EU-based institutions, mainly focusing on new approaches for the safety assessment of pharmaceuticals and chemicals that reduce the use of animals.

We recognise how data from New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) could be used for regulatory decision-making to enable a shift away from using animals in testing.

The commercial capability in this area is increasing and, for example, UK companies such as XCellR8 have developed OECD test guideline compliant NAMs assays for use in skin sensitisation studies.

The recommendations in the Non-Animal Technologies (NATs) roadmap continue to be delivered. For example, the NC3Rs CRACK IT programme which is accelerating the development and commercialisation of NATs.

There is ongoing work led by the NC3Rs to review the impact of the £7m invested as part of the NATs programme for commercial feasibility and collaborative R&D projects. The findings of this review will be used to inform future activities in this area.

The Government published its 10-point plan to build back better in November 2020. This increased the target for offshore wind to 40GW by 2030 and included £160m to support ports and the manufacturing supply chain across the UK. Allocation Round 4 of the Contract for Difference scheme will open later this year, with the aim of up to doubling the renewable energy capacity delivered from the previous round.

In addition, we will imminently be publishing our revised Supply Chain Plan policy guidance and questionnaire, to align developers plans more closely with government priorities, including consequences for non-delivery of commitments.

We have created the largest global market in offshore wind which alongside our actions set out above could deliver up to 60,000 jobs by 2030, right across the United Kingdom.

We continue to keep the guidance for working safely during COVID-19 in close contact services under constant review. Guidance will be updated in advance of step 4.

We continue to keep the guidance for working safely during COVID-19 in close contact services under constant review. Guidance will be updated in advance of step 4.

While employment law is a reserved matter under the Scotland Act 1998, we continue to work with the Scottish Government respecting their unique settlements to ensure we build a strong economy across the United Kingdom.

Ministers and officials from both the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department of Work and Pensions hold regular meetings with counterparts in the devolved administrations to discuss various employment-related issues, including regular reviews of the legislative framework. We will update Parliament accordingly when there are plans to review legislation.

BEIS Ministers and officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the Scottish Government on a range of energy related matters, including transmission charges. I know the Scottish Government has also been engaging closely with Ofgem, which oversees transmission charging as the independent energy regulator. Ofgem is currently progressing a review of network charging arrangements. All parties recognise the significant role that transmission charges play in the Net Zero transition, and Ofgem is taking this into account in its consideration of these matters.

Heat batteries are not eligible. Thermal stores as essential ancillary items for low-carbon heating, such as ground and air source heat pumps and solar thermal are eligible. Thermal stores are not eligible as primary measure where replacing fossil-fuelled boilers or night storage heaters for space heating.

Employment law continues to apply to those furloughed on the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, alongside protection rights for workers, including the existing redundancy consultation periods for employers.

An employer has a statutory duty to consult when they propose to dismiss 20 or more employees in a single establishment within a rolling 90-day period. If the employer proposes to dismiss 100 or more employees in a single establishment the minimum consultation period is 45 days.

The employer is entitled to start to furlough employees who have agreed to participate in the furlough scheme before or in parallel to conducting any collective consultation which is required, as long as consultation takes place in good time and, in any event, within the statutory minimum periods before any dismissals take effect.

Consultation must be undertaken with a view to reaching agreement, although sometimes agreement may not be possible. The consultation must seek to reach agreement on ways to avoid redundancies, or to reduce or mitigate their impact.

The requirement for a minimum period of consultation is accompanied by the need to notify my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of potential large scale redundancies so that Government can help assist redundant staff either through payments from the National Insurance Fund, universal credit or finding alternative local job opportunities.

The Annual Statement of Emissions for 2018 was laid in Parliament on 21st April 2020 and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-statement-of-emissions-for-2018.

The UK follows the agreed international approach for estimating and reporting greenhouse gas emissions under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, which is for countries to report the emissions produced within their territories.

Under the Climate Change Act, we are required to publish, by the end of March each year, the Annual Statement of Emissions which reports to Parliament the UK’s latest progress against carbon budgets.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) work on the fireworks evidence base is ongoing and will be published in due course.

OPSS is engaging with officials in the Scottish Government about their consultation and Fireworks Action Plan for Scotland. Any evidence that has emerged from that consultation will be considered as part of the wider fireworks evidence base.

OPSS invited evidence from a range of stakeholders across the UK including those in Scotland such as the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Under the Scotland Act 1998 the regulation of the sale and supply of goods and services to consumers and product safety and liability are reserved matters. The regulation of fireworks for these purposes is covered by the Fireworks Regulations 2004 and the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015, which are the responsibility of this Department. The use and discharge of fireworks is devolved to the Scottish Government which has powers to impose certain restrictions on the use of fireworks. The Scottish Government has legislated in this area through the Fireworks (Scotland) Regulations 2004. There are no plans to devolve this matter further.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has been talking to officials in the Scottish Government about the recent consultation on fireworks undertaken by the Scottish Government. The outcomes of that consultation are being considered as part of OPSS’ work on a fireworks evidence base. This will build a full picture of the data around fireworks in order to identify what, if any, further action is appropriate.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is developing a fact-based evidence base on the key issues that have been raised around fireworks including restricting the sale of fireworks. The evidence base is considering data on noise and disturbance, anti-social behaviour, non-compliance, environmental impact, and the impact on humans and animals. This will build a full picture of the data around fireworks in order to identify whether, and what, further action is appropriate.