Debates between Martin Docherty-Hughes and Graham Stuart during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martin Docherty-Hughes and Graham Stuart
Tuesday 16th January 2024

(9 months, 2 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Graham Stuart Portrait The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero (Graham Stuart)
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The Secretary of State is unwell and sends her apologies both to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and to the House.

Ministers in the Department regularly meet Ofgem to discuss a range of issues. The Secretary of State met suppliers, alongside Ofgem, in November to discuss consumer energy debt and the protection of vulnerable customers. I know that many families are struggling with their energy bills this winter, which is why we are providing cost of living support worth £104 billion between 2022 and 2025.

Martin Docherty-Hughes Portrait Martin Docherty-Hughes
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I am grateful for that answer. Just a few days ago, the Office for National Statistics showed that the number of households who had been unable to pay their energy bills has increased by nearly 40%. Does the Minister, on behalf of the Secretary of State, who I hope gets better soon, accept that the UK Government’s failure to listen to stakeholders such as Citizens Advice, which is calling for the £400 energy bill discount to be reinstated, has led to soaring energy debt among those who can least afford it, such as my constituents?

Graham Stuart Portrait Graham Stuart
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I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question; he is right to highlight the issue of debt and families who are struggling. This is why we are providing £104 billion—or, on average, £3,700 per household—between 2022 and 2025, which is one of the most generous packages in Europe. In the autumn statement, we increased the national living wage, which is worth £1,800 to a full-time worker, and increased benefits by 6.7%—that is worth £470. Just last week, we also delivered a tax cut for 27 million people, which is worth £450 for the average worker. So we are taking steps, but we recognise the reality for many people that he set out.