Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme in England and Wales was reformed in 2022 to provide more rebates automatically. It currently focusses support towards those on lowest incomes who receive means-tested benefits and living in a property estimated to be relatively high cost to heat. The eligibility criteria are set to make best use of the data available to identify households at greatest risk of fuel poverty.

In winter 2023/24 the WHD scheme delivered rebates to 3.14 million households in Great Britain. This represents an increase of around 646,000 households receiving rebates and an increase of around £97 million of support, compared to 2022/23. Since the scheme began in 2011, over £4 billion in support has been provided to households.

This winter’s scheme was launched today, 14 October, and we expect it again to support over three million households. We are exploring options to improve the design of the scheme beyond the current regulations which expire in 2026.