Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received from industry and consumer groups to end or suspend VAT on fuel bills; and what steps they intend to take on this matter.

In recognition of the fact that families should not have to bear all the VAT costs they incur to meet their needs, domestic fuels such as gas and electricity are already subject to the reduced rate of 5 per cent of VAT. The Government keeps all taxes under review but going further would impose significant additional pressure on the public finances, to which VAT makes a significant contribution.

The Government has introduced a raft of measures to support vulnerable households with the cost of energy, including increasing the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payments, and Cold Weather Payments. This is alongside introducing the £500 million Household Support Fund and giving working families on Universal Credit an average of £1,000 more per year.