Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the increase in energy bills on the most vulnerable households; and what steps they will take to mitigate the effects this winter.

In November Energy UK, in collaboration with the Government, published a Winter 2024 Commitment for this winter which promises £500m of industry support to billpayers this winter. It also outlines how fifteen energy suppliers representing almost the entire market will continue to provide a range of financial support tailored to the needs of their customers. Together with our Warm Home Discount, eligible households who are struggling to pay their energy bills this winter will receive £1 billion of support.

We will continue to provide substantial funding to Local Authorities to support those most in need. At the Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced that £1 billion, including Barnett impact, will be invested to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) in England by a full year until 31 March 2026, and to maintain Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales.