Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that Gypsy and Traveller households can access (a) Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding and (b) the Alternative Fuels Payment.
In order to protect public funds against potentially fraudulent activity, the Government require applicants to show proof of address, such as a tenancy agreement or a utility bill. The Government understands that some Gypsy and Traveller households may not be able provide this evidence, which means they won’t currently be able to receive the EBSS AF or the AFP AF. However, the Government is keen to support these households and officials are working to establish whether there is a robust method for them to provide proof of eligibility, whilst protecting public funds, so they can receive support.