Energy Bills: Support for Households

Dr Danny Chambers (Winchester) (LD) asked the Government what steps it is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help support households with energy bills. In response, James Murray, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, highlighted the Government's plans to set up a clean energy mission board to accelerate the transition to clean, home-grown power, and a new publicly owned energy company, Great British Energy, which will aim to save families money by insulating them from gas price shocks. He also mentioned a warm homes plan to improve energy efficiency in homes and cut bills. Dr Chambers expressed concern about the cuts to the winter fuel allowance, noting that many pensioners living on or near the poverty line will be plunged into crisis this winter. He asked the Chancellor to reconsider the decision and commit to a vote and debate in the House on how to best protect the most vulnerable. The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by Dr Chambers, but stated that the state pension has increased by £900 this year due to the triple lock, which the Government has committed to maintaining. He emphasized the importance of increasing the take-up of pension credit, which would ensure that eligible pensioners receive the winter fuel payment and other benefits. Gareth Davies (Grantham and Bourne) (Con) then asked the Minister to confirm that the Labour party's commitment to bring down energy bills by £300 is still their policy, and to provide details on how this would be calculated and delivered. The Minister responded by acknowledging the high cost of energy, but stated that the Government has set to work on establishing Great British Energy and a national wealth fund to invest in clean energy sources and bring down energy bills in the long term. Sarah Olney (Richmond Park) (LD), the Liberal Democrat spokesperson, recognized the financial challenges inherited by the Government, but stressed that this cannot be used as a cover for measures that cause suffering for the most vulnerable. She asked the Chancellor to assure the House that she will give full support to measures to boost the uptake of pension credit, and to provide the opportunity for a proper debate and vote on the cut to the winter fuel allowance. The Minister reiterated the importance of boosting the uptake of pension credit, noting that 800,000 eligible pensioners are not currently taking it up. He also stated that the Government will set out further details of its plans for home insulation, which is a key part of its manifesto commitments to bring down energy bills.