Asked by: Luke Evans (Conservative - Hinckley and Bosworth)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the meeting between the Minister for Energy and energy firms on Wednesday 28 August 2024, what assessment he has made of the [a] potential impact of the costs of energy on pensioners who will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in Winter 2024-25 and [ii] adequacy of the steps taken by energy firms to support pensioners in advance of the eligibility changes for the payment.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government has not made this specific assessment. However, the most recent statistical projections of rates of fuel poverty can be found here:
This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring pensioners are supported. Everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement. The Government expects energy suppliers to do everything they can to support customers who are struggling with bills, especially vulnerable customers. It is important that anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills contact their supplier.
I am working closely with Ofgem and energy suppliers to ensure they are doing everything they can to support all vulnerable consumers and those struggling to pay their bills.
Asked by: Luke Evans (Conservative - Hinckley and Bosworth)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of trends in petrol and diesel prices.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
UK government statistics show average retail prices of petrol and diesel were approximately 134 and 138 pence per litre respectively on 7th October.
These are 58 and 61 pence per litre lower than the all-time peak of 4th July 2022.
Asked by: Luke Evans (Conservative - Hinckley and Bosworth)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Competition and Markets Authority's paper entitled Road fuel review, published on 12 October 2022, if he will make it his policy to introduce a statutory (a) open data fuel finder scheme and (b) monitory function to help scrutinise the petrol industry.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
In the King’s Speech 2024, the government has committed to introduce a Digital Information and Smart Data Bill, which could provide the legislative basis to implement the statutory open data scheme. The government will respond to the road fuels consultation, published earlier this year, in due course.
The Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Act 2024 gives the Competition and Markets Authority information gathering powers to undertake the permanent monitoring function. We will commence these provisions as soon as possible.
Asked by: Luke Evans (Conservative - Hinckley and Bosworth)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to help reduce the price of fuel at petrol stations.
Answered by Amanda Solloway
Road fuel prices are down for the second consecutive month. Petrol prices are now at a level not seen since early October 2021 following our work to bring transparency to the market.
Today, we have launched a consultation which will require petrol stations to report real-time prices. This will mean drivers can compare prices, get the best deal, and prices will fall through greater competition.