Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has any plans to extend the Warm Home Discount scheme.

The Warm Home Discount is a key policy in the Government’s strategy to tackle fuel poverty and reduce the energy costs of low-income and vulnerable households. The Government has therefore committed to extend the scheme until 2026, as outlined in the Energy White Paper.

The Government consulted on expanding and reforming the Warm Home Discount from 2022. Under the plans, the total spending will increase from around £350 million to £475 million per year, and the value of the rebates will increase to £150. As a result of the additional funding, 780,000 more low-income and vulnerable households will receive rebates on their energy bills every winter, with the majority receiving the money automatically and without having to apply.

The Government’s response to the consultation is due to be published this spring, with the expanded and reformed scheme coming into force from the 2022/23 scheme year.