Impact of Energy Costs on Disabled People

Bobby Dean, the Member of Parliament for Carshalton and Wallington, asked the Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, about the discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the cost of energy on disabled people. In her response, the Minister acknowledged the concerns around energy bills, stating that the government believes the only way to protect bill payers permanently, including disabled people, is to accelerate the green transition to home-grown clean energy. She also mentioned that the government continues to work closely with energy suppliers to ensure that vulnerable customers are supported. Bobby Dean followed up, highlighting that in his constituency, Scope research estimates that disabled households face bills up to £1,500 a month more than the average household. He also noted that disabled households are much less likely to claim the benefits they are entitled to. The MP asked whether the Government Equalities Office has made any assessment of the potential disproportionate impact on disabled households of cutting the winter fuel allowance. The Minister responded that the government's equality analysis was released in September and that the government carried out its statutory duties. She recognized the wider concerns raised by the MP, especially around the additional costs faced by many disabled people. The Minister mentioned that the Minister for Energy Consumers recently met with suppliers to address some of these issues and encouraged all those who need extra support to sign up to the priority services register. Debbie Abrahams, the Member of Parliament for Oldham East and Saddleworth, raised the issue of disabled people's concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in government departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions. She asked what discussions the Minister has had with other colleagues across different departments on the equity principles that will be integrated in the government's use of AI. The Minister responded that discussions are ongoing across the government, including with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, and that there are wider opportunities and challenges that technology presents, and the government wants to ensure they get the balance right.