Energy Social Tariffs

Debbie Abrahams, the Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh, about the potential merits of introducing energy social tariffs. The Minister acknowledged that people are worried about their energy bills and that energy is unaffordable for a growing number of people. She stated that the government is determined to tackle the affordability issue and is looking at a range of options for a social tariff, but their priority this winter is to ensure that struggling families receive support through the warm home discount scheme and by working with energy suppliers. In her follow-up, Debbie Abrahams recognized the value of the warm home discount scheme but expressed concern for people with high energy needs and low incomes who may fall through the cracks of the current system. The Minister responded by highlighting the government's work with energy suppliers to provide additional support to vulnerable households this winter. Sir Desmond Swayne, the Conservative MP for New Forest West, intervened to suggest that it would have been better to put a proper package of support in place before the government withdrew the winter fuel allowance from many pensioners. The Minister defended the government's actions, stating that they are having to "clean up the mess" left by the previous administration, but also highlighted the extension of pension credit and the household support fund, as well as the work with energy suppliers to provide additional support. Rachael Maskell, the Labour/Co-op MP for York Central, thanked the Minister for her work and suggested that "warm home prescriptions" could target support towards elderly people and those with underlying health conditions, saving the NHS and keeping people warm over the winter. The Minister expressed her willingness to meet with Maskell to discuss this and other options. Seamus Logan, the SNP MP for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, asked the Minister to offer hope for bill payers in Scotland that they will stop being penalized with the highest standing charges on these islands and when they will see lower charges. The Minister stated that the government is committed to getting down standing charges and that Ofgem has consulted on this and will report back in due course.