Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2023 to Question 120025 on Energy Bills Rebate, and with reference to the oral statement of the Minister for Energy and Climate his comments of 25 January 2023, Official Report, columns 1026-29, whether details on eligibility for Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding will be published before the planned opening of the portal for applications on 27 February 2023; whether his Department has issued guidance to local authorities on the scheme's operation; and if he will make a statement.

The application portal for EBSS AF will open on the GOV.UK webpage by 27 February and this will include an overview of eligibility and what applicants need to do to apply. Local authorities will be provided with guidance on how to provide this support to eligible households ahead of the launch.