Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support his Department is providing to families of children with life-limiting illnesses for energy costs.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme and the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) have provided financial support to all families to help manage the rising costs of their energy bills.

Households using alternative fuels are entitled to a £200 Alternative Fuel Payment. In addition to the Energy Affordability schemes, families with children with life-limiting illnesses are also entitled to a one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment.

As set out in the Autumn Statement, the Government is developing a new approach to consumer protection in energy markets, which will apply from April 2024 onwards including options such as social tariffs, as part of wider energy retail market reforms.