Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he is taking steps to ensure that persons in supported accommodation without bank accounts are able to receive payments under the Energy Bill Support Scheme.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding is delivered by local authorities in Great Britain who are only able to make payments into UK current accounts. The Government has recommended throughout the scheme that any applicants who do not have a bank account open one to receive payment, such as opening a basic bank account, which are free to open. Appointees of eligible households can also apply on behalf of an applicant, using their appointee bank account details.