Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of increases in (a) energy and (b) pet food bills on pet ownership.

To support households, the Energy Price Guarantee was put in place as a temporary measure on 1^st October 2022 to cap typical energy bills at £2,500 per year. This scheme has cut the typical family energy bill by over £1,300 since October and has now been extended to the end of June this year. The Energy Bill Support Scheme has also helped to reduce household energy bills over the past six months with a £400 discount paid in monthly instalments.

Defra officials regularly meet stakeholders to understand the issues and trends affecting the sector, including the impact of the rise in the cost of living on those who care for companion animals. Sector groups are closely monitoring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and identifying where more support may be needed. We welcome the support they are currently providing through pet food banks and financial support with veterinary treatment which is helping to reduce the pressure on pet owners.