Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to tackling the increased cost of living.

The Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, Steve Baker MP, recently met the former Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons. They discussed a range of topics and it was made clear that a restored Northern Ireland Executive will allow decisions to be taken by locally elected politicians, including on crucial issues such as the cost of living.

The UK Government is committed to helping households this winter and that is why, despite the absence of an Executive, Northern Ireland households will receive a package of support including the Energy Bills Support Scheme, Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bill Relief Scheme and funding for off-grid households.

These measures are once again clear evidence of the benefits that Northern Ireland gains from being an integral part of a strong United Kingdom