Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the £600 payment to Northern Ireland households for energy costs (a) can be split between gas, oil and electric bills or (b) must be used for a single form of energy.

The £600 payment is going to Northern Ireland households with a domestic contract with an electricity supplier. The payment comprises the Energy Bills Support Scheme (£400) and the Alternative Fuel Payment (£200), recognising the widespread use of other fuels for heating in Northern Ireland. The £600 payment can be used for any fuel; direct debit customers receive the payment direct to their bank account. Credit or keypad prepayment meter customers are receiving vouchers which can be redeemed at a Post Office and paid into a bank account. If necessary, the sum can be taken as cash.