Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of households currently in fuel debt.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government does not have its own estimate of the number of households in fuel debt, but more needs to be done between regulators, suppliers and Government to tackle the problem of energy debt. In December, Ofgem published an updated debt strategy which included the publications of two consultations. The first proposed an energy debt relief scheme for consumers who accrued debt during the energy crisis. The second consulted on ways to improve debt standards. Both of these consultations have now closed and Ofgem will carefully consider the feedback received, and we will stand ready to work closely with them on their findings.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department his made of the potential impact of extending EPC C minimum energy efficiency requirements to self-catering holiday lets on the financial viability of small businesses.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation sought views on whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our changes to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties. We have engaged widely with stakeholders during the consultation process, including the self-catering holiday lets sector, and a government response will be published in due course.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support his Department is providing to households to access home insulation schemes in Eastleigh constituency.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The government is supporting the delivery of installation of fabric insulation across the country, including those households in Eastleigh, through schemes including the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) and Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH: LG)
The government also recognises the need to provide trusted and impartial information to consumers when making choices about how to retrofit their homes. The government's home retrofit tool on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency), provides tailored recommendations for home improvements. A phoneline service is available on 0800 098 7950.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the cost to homeowners of removing spray foam insulation.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department has not made an estimate however continues to engage with the spray foam industry, lenders and consumer bodies to resolve the issues some homeowners are facing.
It is important homeowners get proper independent advice, such as that available online from RICS, before making any decisions on removal.
Poor-quality installations are the result of years of a failed system, and this government is committed to introducing new reforms to drive up quality and protect consumers through the Warm Homes Plan.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he has taken to ensure plans are in place to manage major power outages.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Maintaining a secure electricity supply is a key priority for Government. DESNZ work closely with the energy industry to ensure robust response plans are in place to mitigate the impacts of energy disruption. These emergency procedures and protocols are set out in the National Emergency Plan for Downstream Gas and Electricity which is available on the GOV.UK website.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits the installation of solar technology on home balconies.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The UK has huge potential for solar power, and the Government is committed to working with industry to radically increase our existing solar capacity, through a variety of methods, to meet the targets set out in the Clean Power Action Plan. Plug-in solar provides an opportunity for households to adopt solar more cheaply. The recently published Solar Roadmap includes an action for the Government to conduct a safety study this year. This safety study is currently out to tender, and the results will determine how we can progress with this work, with the aim of unlocking opportunities for plug-in solar in the near future.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in energy bills on consumers.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
We recognise that bills going up will be worrying news for families. The reason for the increase to the price cap is due to an increase in wholesale energy costs which are influenced by international energy markets which we cannot control. This is why our Clean Power 2030 Mission is so vital. In the short term, we are extending support to ballplayers through the expanded Warm Home Discount, and we are working with Ofgem to accelerate work on a potential energy debt scheme.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to consult on the EPC of C or above requirement for rental properties.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The Government will consult shortly on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation will include proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will ensure that the investment reserve of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme is transferred back to members.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government is receptive to representations regarding the BCSSS. I recently met with the Trustees of the Scheme to discuss their proposals, and will be discussing the matter with the Treasury in due course.