Oral Answers to Questions

Marion Fellows Excerpts

Tuesday 27th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab)]

6. What estimate she has made of the number of households in fuel poverty in winter 2023-24.

[Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)]

8. What steps she is taking to support households in fuel poverty during winter.

[Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)]

10. What estimate she has made of the number of households in fuel poverty in winter 2023-24.

--- Later in debate ---

[Amanda Solloway]

We are spending £6 billion in this Parliament and a further £6 billion up to 2028 to make buildings, including private rented properties, cleaner and warmer. That is in addition to the estimated £5 billion that will be delivered for ECO4—the energy company obligation—and the Great British insulation scheme up to March 2026.

[Marion Fellows]

Over the past two years, my constituents in Motherwell and Wishaw, as well as the disability groups that I engage with, have told me harrowing tales of dire fuel poverty and energy debt, while the energy giants post record profits. Even with the new price cap, National Energy Action estimates that there will be 6 million UK households in fuel poverty, with energy debt sitting at £6 billion. After April, the only support available will be the £150 warm home discount, which has barely been increased in a decade. When will the Government take meaningful action and finally consult on an energy social tariff?

[Amanda Solloway]

Last winter, this Government delivered £40 billion for households and businesses. We also have the warm home discount, the winter fuel payment and the disability cost of living payment. We are committed to ensuring that affordability is top of our list in relation to energy security.