Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the threshold for business rates relief in line with inflation.

Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) is available to businesses with a single property below a set rateable value.

At Autumn Statement 2023, the government announced a package of changes and tax cuts worth £4.3 billion, including a freeze to the small business multiplier for the fourth consecutive year in 2024-25, protecting over a million ratepayers from a multiplier increase.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of including agricultural contractors' buildings in the list of buildings exempted from business rates.

Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Farmland and buildings solely used for agriculture are exempt from business rates. The Government keeps all taxes under review. Any future decisions regarding the tax system will be taken in line with the normal Budget process.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will add agricultural contractors' buildings to the list of buildings exempted from business rates.

Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Farmland and buildings solely used for agriculture are exempt from business rates. The Government keeps all taxes under review. Any future decisions regarding the tax system will be taken in line with the normal Budget process.

Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how many and what proportion of businesses that were eligible for business rates relief in the 2023-24 financial year are no longer eligible in the 2024-25 financial year.

Answered by Simon Hoare - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

The department does not hold the data required to answer this question. Information on the number of hereditaments eligible for business rates relief is available here.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has made an assessment of the (a) adequacy and (b) effectiveness of self-regulation within the funeral sector.

Answered by Mike Freer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

We have accepted that some form of regulation of the funeral sector is required. My officials have therefore been working on a plan to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the self-regulation regimes introduced by the two main representative bodies, and to launch a call for evidence.

The call for evidence will be launched before summer recess and will gather views on what type of regulation is appropriate and proportionate. Following this, we will develop and consult on proposals for the regulation of the sector. There are a number of possible routes for regulation including introducing an independent regulator. It is too early at this stage to say which is most appropriate.

I have discussed the regulation of the Funeral Sector with cabinet colleagues, and am working particularly closely with Minister Hoare on the short-term response to the tragic events in Hull and East Rising.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has had at recent discussions with cabinet colleagues on the regulation of the funeral sector.

Answered by Mike Freer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

We have accepted that some form of regulation of the funeral sector is required. My officials have therefore been working on a plan to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the self-regulation regimes introduced by the two main representative bodies, and to launch a call for evidence.

The call for evidence will be launched before summer recess and will gather views on what type of regulation is appropriate and proportionate. Following this, we will develop and consult on proposals for the regulation of the sector. There are a number of possible routes for regulation including introducing an independent regulator. It is too early at this stage to say which is most appropriate.

I have discussed the regulation of the Funeral Sector with cabinet colleagues, and am working particularly closely with Minister Hoare on the short-term response to the tragic events in Hull and East Rising.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make it his policy to set up an independent regulator for the funeral sector.

Answered by Mike Freer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

We have accepted that some form of regulation of the funeral sector is required. My officials have therefore been working on a plan to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the self-regulation regimes introduced by the two main representative bodies, and to launch a call for evidence.

The call for evidence will be launched before summer recess and will gather views on what type of regulation is appropriate and proportionate. Following this, we will develop and consult on proposals for the regulation of the sector. There are a number of possible routes for regulation including introducing an independent regulator. It is too early at this stage to say which is most appropriate.

I have discussed the regulation of the Funeral Sector with cabinet colleagues, and am working particularly closely with Minister Hoare on the short-term response to the tragic events in Hull and East Rising.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps to consult on the regulation of the funeral sector.

Answered by Mike Freer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

We have accepted that some form of regulation of the funeral sector is required. My officials have therefore been working on a plan to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the self-regulation regimes introduced by the two main representative bodies, and to launch a call for evidence.

The call for evidence will be launched before summer recess and will gather views on what type of regulation is appropriate and proportionate. Following this, we will develop and consult on proposals for the regulation of the sector. There are a number of possible routes for regulation including introducing an independent regulator. It is too early at this stage to say which is most appropriate.

I have discussed the regulation of the Funeral Sector with cabinet colleagues, and am working particularly closely with Minister Hoare on the short-term response to the tragic events in Hull and East Rising.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent assessment he has made of the safety of British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong.

Answered by Anne-Marie Trevelyan - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Under an exchange of Memoranda to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport holders are eligible for consular assistance in third countries, but not in Hong Kong, Macao or mainland China. Where we have humanitarian or human rights concerns about the treatment of BN(O) passport holders in Hong Kong, Macao or mainland China, we can lobby the relevant authorities, raise issues in international fora and demonstrate our political support. For example, on 8 March, we raised the alleged treatment of Andy Li at the UN Human Rights Council. Our diplomats in Hong Kong regularly attend court to observe a number of national security cases, including for Jimmy Lai's, the NSL 47 and others. On 16 February, the Foreign Secretary raised prosecutions under the National Security Law with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what diplomatic support his Department provides to British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong.

Answered by Anne-Marie Trevelyan - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Under an exchange of Memoranda to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport holders are eligible for consular assistance in third countries, but not in Hong Kong, Macao or mainland China. Where we have humanitarian or human rights concerns about the treatment of BN(O) passport holders in Hong Kong, Macao or mainland China, we can lobby the relevant authorities, raise issues in international fora and demonstrate our political support. For example, on 8 March, we raised the alleged treatment of Andy Li at the UN Human Rights Council. Our diplomats in Hong Kong regularly attend court to observe a number of national security cases, including for Jimmy Lai's, the NSL 47 and others. On 16 February, the Foreign Secretary raised prosecutions under the National Security Law with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will review the (a) surplus sharing and (b) other arrangements of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has been consistent in its willingness to consider any proposals that the Trustees bring forward. Ministers have previously been willing to discuss proposals including those which would alter the surplus sharing arrangements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions she has had with the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme Trustees on the surplus sharing arrangements of that scheme.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Ministers and Trustees last discussed the surplus sharing arrangements in 2021. The Government has been consistent that it would consider any proposals that the Trustees bring forward.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many people receive fuel under the National Concessionary Fuel Scheme in Rother Valley constituency.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

There are 45 individuals in receipt of solid fuel in Rother Valley constituency postcode areas as of 15^th April 2024. There are an additional 517 individuals that have selected the cash-in-lieu of fuel alternative available under National Concessionary Fuel Scheme arrangements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many people are recipients of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme in (a) Rother Valley constituency and (b) the rest of the UK as of 16 April 2024.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As at June 2023, there were 1,778 Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS) members living in the Rother Valley constituency. As at 29 February 2024, there were 116,143 MPS members. These are the latest available figures.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Youth Parliament on the involvement of younger people in politics.

Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

I was sorry to learn about the closure of the British Youth Council and want to express gratitude for its work over the years. Government is committed to the delivery of the UK Youth Parliament and intends to use funding allocated to BYC in 2024/25 to support the programme. We are working alongside previous UKYP delivery partners from English regions and the devolved administrations, to understand the implications of BYCs closure for programme delivery. We have been working at pace to identify a suitable organisation which can hold overall grant management responsibility for the UKYP 24/25 and I will update the house as soon as next steps have been formalised. In parallel, we will be leading engagement with young people and key stakeholders to plan for the longer-term future of the UKYP.

An evaluation of the impact of the Youth Parliament was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 and found that all stakeholders, participants, delivery staff and policy officials, agreed that the programmes were important vehicles to engage young people in the UK political processes and support youth-informed policy development. A new evaluation of the UK Youth Parliament programme was started in 23/24 and is due to conclude in 24/25.

Since 2017, Government has provided a total amount of c.£2.4m to the British Youth Council to deliver youth voice activities including the UK Youth Parliament, Youth Select Committees and Make Your Mark.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to help ensure that the British Youth Council remains active.

Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

I was sorry to learn about the closure of the British Youth Council and want to express gratitude for its work over the years. Government is committed to the delivery of the UK Youth Parliament and intends to use funding allocated to BYC in 2024/25 to support the programme. We are working alongside previous UKYP delivery partners from English regions and the devolved administrations, to understand the implications of BYCs closure for programme delivery. We have been working at pace to identify a suitable organisation which can hold overall grant management responsibility for the UKYP 24/25 and I will update the house as soon as next steps have been formalised. In parallel, we will be leading engagement with young people and key stakeholders to plan for the longer-term future of the UKYP.

An evaluation of the impact of the Youth Parliament was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 and found that all stakeholders, participants, delivery staff and policy officials, agreed that the programmes were important vehicles to engage young people in the UK political processes and support youth-informed policy development. A new evaluation of the UK Youth Parliament programme was started in 23/24 and is due to conclude in 24/25.

Since 2017, Government has provided a total amount of c.£2.4m to the British Youth Council to deliver youth voice activities including the UK Youth Parliament, Youth Select Committees and Make Your Mark.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the cost to the public purse was of supporting the (a) Youth Parliament, (b) Youth Select Committee and (c) Make Your Mark Programme since their inception.

Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

I was sorry to learn about the closure of the British Youth Council and want to express gratitude for its work over the years. Government is committed to the delivery of the UK Youth Parliament and intends to use funding allocated to BYC in 2024/25 to support the programme. We are working alongside previous UKYP delivery partners from English regions and the devolved administrations, to understand the implications of BYCs closure for programme delivery. We have been working at pace to identify a suitable organisation which can hold overall grant management responsibility for the UKYP 24/25 and I will update the house as soon as next steps have been formalised. In parallel, we will be leading engagement with young people and key stakeholders to plan for the longer-term future of the UKYP.

An evaluation of the impact of the Youth Parliament was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 and found that all stakeholders, participants, delivery staff and policy officials, agreed that the programmes were important vehicles to engage young people in the UK political processes and support youth-informed policy development. A new evaluation of the UK Youth Parliament programme was started in 23/24 and is due to conclude in 24/25.

Since 2017, Government has provided a total amount of c.£2.4m to the British Youth Council to deliver youth voice activities including the UK Youth Parliament, Youth Select Committees and Make Your Mark.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the impact of the British Youth Council on the political literacy of young people.

Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

I was sorry to learn about the closure of the British Youth Council and want to express gratitude for its work over the years. Government is committed to the delivery of the UK Youth Parliament and intends to use funding allocated to BYC in 2024/25 to support the programme. We are working alongside previous UKYP delivery partners from English regions and the devolved administrations, to understand the implications of BYCs closure for programme delivery. We have been working at pace to identify a suitable organisation which can hold overall grant management responsibility for the UKYP 24/25 and I will update the house as soon as next steps have been formalised. In parallel, we will be leading engagement with young people and key stakeholders to plan for the longer-term future of the UKYP.

An evaluation of the impact of the Youth Parliament was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 and found that all stakeholders, participants, delivery staff and policy officials, agreed that the programmes were important vehicles to engage young people in the UK political processes and support youth-informed policy development. A new evaluation of the UK Youth Parliament programme was started in 23/24 and is due to conclude in 24/25.

Since 2017, Government has provided a total amount of c.£2.4m to the British Youth Council to deliver youth voice activities including the UK Youth Parliament, Youth Select Committees and Make Your Mark.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to provide funding to continue the operation of the Youth Parliament.

Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

I was sorry to learn about the closure of the British Youth Council and want to express gratitude for its work over the years. Government is committed to the delivery of the UK Youth Parliament and intends to use funding allocated to BYC in 2024/25 to support the programme. We are working alongside previous UKYP delivery partners from English regions and the devolved administrations, to understand the implications of BYCs closure for programme delivery. We have been working at pace to identify a suitable organisation which can hold overall grant management responsibility for the UKYP 24/25 and I will update the house as soon as next steps have been formalised. In parallel, we will be leading engagement with young people and key stakeholders to plan for the longer-term future of the UKYP.

An evaluation of the impact of the Youth Parliament was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 and found that all stakeholders, participants, delivery staff and policy officials, agreed that the programmes were important vehicles to engage young people in the UK political processes and support youth-informed policy development. A new evaluation of the UK Youth Parliament programme was started in 23/24 and is due to conclude in 24/25.

Since 2017, Government has provided a total amount of c.£2.4m to the British Youth Council to deliver youth voice activities including the UK Youth Parliament, Youth Select Committees and Make Your Mark.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, with reference to the Electoral Commission's guidance entitled Reporting candidate spending in the long campaign for a UK Parliamentary general election, published on 6 March 2024, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the changes from the guidance published ahead of the 2015 general election; and whether the Commission consulted political parties during the development of the revised guidance.

Answered by Cat Smith

The Commission sought external legal advice on the requirement for the reporting of spending during the long campaign, after receiving feedback from political parties. That advice differed from the position established by the Commission. The Commission is now in the process of reflecting that advice in its guidance.

The Commission has a responsibility to provide guidance for political parties and campaigners which helps them meet their legal obligations. It considers the impact that changes to its guidance have on its regulated community, but has a duty to accurately reflect the law.

The Commission has a constructive relationship with the party panels, and it regularly consults on key areas of its work, both formally and informally. The Commission always welcomes feedback from political parties on areas where it can better help them meet their legal obligations.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, with reference to the Electoral Commission's guidance, Reporting candidate spending in the long campaign for a UK Parliamentary general election, what the evidential basis is for the assertion that an item of candidate spending provided by a party counts towards both (a) the long campaign spending limit for a candidate and (b) the party spending limit; how the treatment of notional expenditure and agent-authorised expenditure differs; and whether the Commission has made an assessment of the potential impact on party spending limits.

Answered by Cat Smith

The Electoral Commission’s guidance aims to support campaigners to meet their obligations which are set by the UK’s complex political finance laws. It develops guidance based on legal advice and interpretation of these laws.

The Commission sought additional external legal advice on reporting of spending during the long campaign and is in the process of reflecting that legal advice in guidance.

The guidance will provide clarity on the parts of the candidate spending laws that impact how a candidate should report spending in the long campaign.

It will also clarify that there is a requirement for a candidate return for spending during the long campaign and therefore spending is not reportable in a party return.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, with reference to the Electoral Commission's guidance, Reporting candidate spending in the long campaign for a UK Parliamentary general election, whether it is a requirement for a candidate to publish a candidate spending return for the long campaign; and what guidance the Commission has provided to hon. Members on that issue.

Answered by Cat Smith

It is a requirement for candidates to provide any candidate spending during the long campaign in a return to their Returning Officer.

The Commission provides guidance for all candidates to help them meet their legal obligations, which is applicable to those Hon. Members seeking re-election at the next UK parliamentary general election.

It also provides additional bespoke advice and support to Hon. Members and their staff, as it does for all other political parties, campaigners and candidates.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, with reference to the Electoral Commission's guidance, Reporting candidate spending in the long campaign for a UK Parliamentary general election, what assessment the Commission has made of the impact of General Data Protection Regulations on its (a) interpretations of and (b) guidance on long campaign returns and spending.

Answered by Cat Smith

Candidates have a legal requirement to submit a spending return for the long campaign to the Returning Officers who in turn must forward them to the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission and Returning Officers must process the data in the return according to their respective functions as set on in UK law. All data collected by the Commission is processed according to its obligations under data protection laws.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department has taken to help SMEs pay their energy standing charges.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Standing charges are a matter for Ofgem as the independent economic regulator. Ofgem recently conducted a call for input looking at how standing charges are applied to energy bills. Ofgem is analysing the submissions it received and will publish its response in due course. www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/launch-review-standing-charges-energy-bills

The Government recognises that businesses are facing pressure through their energy bills. That is why on 30 March 2024, my Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State and I wrote to Ofgem, highlighting the importance of keeping standing charges as low as possible.

https://twitter.com/ClaireCoutinho/status/1774001008953217079

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what guidance her Department issues to companies that have difficulties paying the standing charges on their commercial energy tariffs.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The standing charge is matter for Ofgem. Ofgem launched a call for input in November 2023 looking at how standing charges are applied to energy bills and what alternatives could be considered. Ofgem is analysing the responses and will publish its response shortly.

Contract negotiations are a matter for businesses and their energy supplier. If a company is concerned about their ability to pay their energy bills, the Government suggests contacting their supplier as soon as possible. It may be possible to negotiate a new contract, including whether a contract without standing charges is available, or to agree a payment plan to help the company to better manage its energy payments.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will take legislative steps to cap standing charges for (a) commercial and (b) domestic energy suppliers.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The standing charge is matter for Ofgem. Ofgem launched a call for input in November 2023 on standing charges in the non-domestic and domestic retail markets, looking at how they are applied to energy bills and what alternatives could be considered. Ofgem is currently analysing the responses and will publish its response in due course.

On 30 March, my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State and I wrote to the Chief Executive of Ofgem, highlighting the importance of keeping charges as low as possible.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterpart in Djibouti on the (a) entry requirements for and (b) reasons for denial of entry of British citizens wishing to enter that country.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

Information on entry requirements for those travelling to Djibouti is accessible though the travel advice pages on Gov.uk. Tourist visas are available online or on arrival, though the Djiboutian authorities always retain the right to allow or deny visas at their own discretion. In the last year, there has been one case of a British national being denied access to Djibouti by the authorities. Following a recent evaluation of our travel advice, there are no plans for the UK Government to seek further clarification on entry requirements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what information his Department holds on the number of UK citizens that have been refused entry to Djibouti in the last year.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

Information on entry requirements for those travelling to Djibouti is accessible though the travel advice pages on Gov.uk. Tourist visas are available online or on arrival, though the Djiboutian authorities always retain the right to allow or deny visas at their own discretion. In the last year, there has been one case of a British national being denied access to Djibouti by the authorities. Following a recent evaluation of our travel advice, there are no plans for the UK Government to seek further clarification on entry requirements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what information his Department holds on the number of British citizens that were denied entry to Djibouti in the last year.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

Information on entry requirements for those travelling to Djibouti is accessible though the travel advice pages on Gov.uk. Tourist visas are available online or on arrival, though the Djiboutian authorities always retain the right to allow or deny visas at their own discretion. In the last year, there has been one case of a British national being denied access to Djibouti by the authorities. Following a recent evaluation of our travel advice, there are no plans for the UK Government to seek further clarification on entry requirements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, if he will make an assessment of the extent of Djibouti's entry requirements for British citizens.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

Information on entry requirements for those travelling to Djibouti is accessible though the travel advice pages on Gov.uk. Tourist visas are available online or on arrival, though the Djiboutian authorities always retain the right to allow or deny visas at their own discretion. In the last year, there has been one case of a British national being denied access to Djibouti by the authorities. Following a recent evaluation of our travel advice, there are no plans for the UK Government to seek further clarification on entry requirements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of trends in the level of energy tariff standing charges on small businesses.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Ofgem issued a Call for Input on standing charges which closed on 20 January 2024. It included an invitation to submit views on the issues affecting standing charges in the non-domestic retail sector. Ofgem are currently analysing responses and reviewing the make-up and structure of standing charges.

The Government recognises that businesses are facing pressure through their energy bills. That is why on 30 March 2024, my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State and I wrote to Ofgem, highlighting the importance of keeping standing charges as low as possible.

https://twitter.com/ClaireCoutinho/status/1774001008953217079

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions she has had with Ofgem on trends in the level of commercial energy tariff standing charges.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

On 30 March, my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State and I wrote to the Chief Executive of Ofgem, highlighting the importance of keeping standing charges as low as possible.

Ofgem launched a call for input in November 2023 on standing charges in the non-domestic and domestic retail markets, looking at how they are applied to energy bills and what alternatives could be considered. Ofgem is currently analysing the responses and will publish its response in due course.

Found: Conservative, Central Suffolk and North Ipswich ) Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP (Labour, Brighton, Kemptown ) Alexander