Asked by: Marion Fellows (Scottish National Party - Motherwell and Wishaw)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions she has had with Ofgem on trends in the level of consumer energy debt.
Answered by Amanda Solloway
I meet regularly with Ofgem to discuss debt, and I welcome Ofgem’s recent Call for Input on affordability and debt.
Earlier this week, I met with energy suppliers and outlined our expectation that suppliers do all they can to support customers in debt. I also meet regularly with stakeholders like Citizens Advice to work together on how consumers can be best supported.
Asked by: Marion Fellows (Scottish National Party - Motherwell and Wishaw)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make it his policy to end informal observations under Personal Independence Payment for people living with (a) MS and (b) other fluctuating conditions.
Answered by Mims Davies - Shadow Minister (Women)
Informal observations during an assessment for claims to Personal Independence Payment can be a useful tool in assessing functional capability. They can reveal abilities and limitations not mentioned in the claimant questionnaire, supporting evidence or during the history-taking for the consultation. They may also show discrepancies between the reported need and the actual needs of the claimant.
Informal observations included in a health professional’s assessment report to DWP are considered alongside all other available evidence including evidence from professionals who may have observed the claimant more regularly to determine entitlement. As informal observations are a useful addition to an assessment, we have no intention to end their use, including for those people with MS or other fluctuating conditions.
Asked by: Marion Fellows (Scottish National Party - Motherwell and Wishaw)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to help (a) prevent job losses and (b) create new employment in the biodiesel industry, in the context of the closure of Argent Energy in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency.
Answered by Alan Mak
The Government has supported the uptake of low carbon fuels including biodiesel for 15 years through its Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme. The RTFO sets targets for the supply of low carbon fuels and sustainability criteria, which these fuels must meet. Targets under the RTFO have increased year on year since 2018, providing a market for biodiesel producers.
In support of UK exports, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) offers services to advise, support and promote British businesses to grow and export. DBT also provides services to secure inward investment into the UK for a variety of low carbon fuel technologies, supporting businesses throughout their investment journey.