Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Energy Bills Discount Scheme in meeting the needs of the hospice sector.

As part of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme review, the Government assessed a range of qualitative and quantitative evidence from businesses and stakeholders, including hospices, on sectors that may be most affected by rising energy prices based on energy and trade intensity. The Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) will run from April until March 2024, and will continue to provide a discount to eligible non-domestic customers, including hospices.

The Government recognises the vital role that charities and the voluntary sector, including hospices play in our communities. That is why my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the Spring Budget additional funding of over £100m for charities and community organisations who are impacted by high energy costs.