Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure (a) local authorities process Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding applications in a timely manner and (b) successful applicants receive one-off payments no later than six weeks after submitting their applications.

The Government has worked closely with pilot local authorities in designing the scheme and developing guidance for all local authorities. To reduce the administrative burden on local authorities and the time taken to process an application, many of the eligibility checks are completed centrally by the Government before applications are passed through to local authorities for final checks. The time that applicants will wait to receive support will depend on the case complexity and the volume of applications received by the local authority. The Government is committed to ensuring that eligible applicants are provided support as soon as possible.