Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Answer of 24 April 2023 to Question 181721, when the consultation on options to target energy support to those most in need will be published; and for what reason the consultation was not launched in summer 2023.

The outlook for energy prices has improved significantly since the Autumn Statement, with the Ofgem price cap falling 55% since its peak earlier this year. Meanwhile, households have also seen energy prices fall.

The Government is providing Cost of Living Payments for those who face wider affordability challenges. This is in addition to ongoing winter support payments such as the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payments.

The Government will continue to monitor the situation and keep options under review.