Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to prevent debt collectors and bailiffs from making demands on people who are (a) behind with their energy payments and (b) in fuel poverty.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government introduced the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme which aims to address consumers’ ability to tackle debt and offers legal protections from creditors for 60 days. Under Ofgem rules, energy companies must set appropriate repayment plans based on a customer’s ability to pay, for those at risk of or in debt.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking further steps to support consumers in response to increases to the energy price cap.
Answered by Graham Stuart
Through the Energy Price Guarantee, the Government has ensured that consumers are not exposed to the significant increases in the price cap announced by Ofgem recently. The EPG reduces the amount a household can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. Until the end of March 2023, a typical household in Great Britain will spend around £2,500 on their energy bills. During this period households will see no significant changes to their tariffs.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the cost of energy for unpaid carers; and if he would take steps to provide additional assistance to unpaid carers to help fund their energy costs.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government is delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme, a £400 non-repayable grant to support all families with their energy bills. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household in Great Britain £900 this Winter.
The Government is currently reviewing the EPG. This consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk of having to pay more. Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, were also granted a payment of £650 this year between the summer and November paid automatically in two instalments to support with energy bills
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many households with children under the age of (a) one and (b) five have been placed on pre-payment meters in each of the last five years.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy does not collect data on the number of households with children on pre-payment meters. Ofgem, the independent regulator, does not collect data at this level. Ofgem License Conditions restrict the installation of pre-payment meters for debt, specifying that a pre-payment meter has to be safe and practical. Under Ofgem guidance safety considerations include having a child under the age of five.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to provide disabled people with further energy financial support.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government is delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme, a £400 non-repayable grant to support all families with their energy bills. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household in Great Britain £900 this Winter.
In addition, disabled people are also entitled to a one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. The Government is currently reviewing the EPG. This consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk of having to pay more.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of partnering with Royal Mail to (a) help tackle wider civic challenges and (b) provide a service which supports people who are lonely or in need of regular contact for their own wellbeing.
Answered by Kevin Hollinrake - Shadow Minister without Portfolio
The Government recognises the important role postal workers play in supporting local communities.
However, as a private business, it is for Royal Mail’s management to decide which initiatives it chooses to support. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s business decisions.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a formal partnership between Royal Mail and other public services to help people isolated in communities.
Answered by Kevin Hollinrake - Shadow Minister without Portfolio
The Government recognises the important role postal workers play in supporting local communities.
However, as a private business, it is for Royal Mail’s management to decide which initiatives it chooses to support. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s business decisions.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of Royal Mail on its future business strategy.
Answered by Kevin Hollinrake - Shadow Minister without Portfolio
Ministers and officials meet with Royal Mail regularly to discuss a range of issues in its role as the universal postal service provider.
As a private business, Royal Mail’s strategic decisions are matters for its Board and shareholders. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s business decisions.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to prevent energy black outs in York Central constituency; and what contingency measures are in place should blackouts occur.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government is confident in its plans to protect households and businesses in the full range of scenarios this winter. We continue to work closely with Ofgem, National Grid and other key industry organisations to monitor the energy supply horizon and prepare for the winter. Customers who are vulnerable during a power cut can sign up for the Priority Services Register and all customers can call 105 for emergency help and advice.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking further steps to support businesses in response to increases to the energy price cap.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) provides a price reduction to ensure that all eligible businesses are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. The scheme applies to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.
HM Treasury is conducting a review into additional support that could be made available from April 2023, following the end of the EBRS. Any support for businesses will be targeted to those most affected by high energy prices. Continuing support to those deemed eligible would begin at the end of the initial 6-month support scheme.