Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps the Government is taking to support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people with the impact of rises in the cost of living; and whether those groups are eligible for support under (a) the Energy Bills Support Scheme-Alternative Funding and (b) the Alternative Fuels Payment.

As part of the application process for these schemes, the Government require applicants to show proof of address, such as a tenancy agreement or a utility bill, to protect public funds against fraud. The Government understand 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. 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.