Nicholas Dakin
Main Page: Nicholas Dakin (Labour - Scunthorpe)(10 years, 9 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Gregory Barker
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. The coalition is absolutely committed to improving access to financial services for the vulnerable, particularly the fuel-poor. As recommended by the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards, the Government are seeking a voluntary industry agreement on renewed minimum standards for basic bank accounts. In addition, we have committed nearly £2 million over this year to develop the big energy saving network to ensure that the most vulnerable are getting the best deals they can.
Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)
Is not the sluggishness of Ofgem in tackling this discrimination yet further evidence that it is no longer fit for purpose?
Gregory Barker
No, it is not. This is an ongoing situation. Ofgem has looked at the issue, but it is not something that one can look at once and then discard. That may be Labour’s approach, but we are maintaining long-term vigilance to make sure that the consumer is looked after on an ongoing basis, month in, month out. It is very important that they will now have the additional benefit of a referral to the competition test.