Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 18 September 2023 to Question 198571 on Energy Bills Rebate: Travellers, if his Department will provide local authorities with assistance to enable Gypsy, Roma and Travellers whose main residence is not on a permanent site to apply for the Housing Support Fund.

Local Authorities have the ties and local knowledge to best determine how the Household Support Fund should be provided to their local communities in England.

Under the current Household Support Fund scheme, we are aware that some Local Authorities are providing energy and food support specifically targeted at the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The Household Support Fund guidance sets out that Local Authorities are expected to identify and provide support to a wide range of low-income households in need, making use of data and other sources of information, including through engaging with third party organisations who may come into contact with people in need.

As part of their delivery Local Authorities must operate an application-based service to ensure those in need have a route to emergency support.