Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to help people who are living off the energy grid in rural areas with energy costs in winter 2023-24.

The Government understands there are approximately 2 million households in the UK who utilise heating oil as a source of energy. Fortunately, oil prices have fallen significantly from their 2022 peak and so there are currently no plans for the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme to be renewed for winter 2023/24. However, the Government will continue to monitor the situation and will keep options under review, including with respect to those households most vulnerable to unexpected price shocks if the market changes.