Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department takes to prevent fraudulent claims under BICS regarding sub-metering data.

The Department applies a risk-based approach to preventing fraudulent claims to the BIC Scheme, as with all its funding.

Applicants are required to provide evidence supporting their application and confirm that the information provided is true and accurate. Sub-metering and energy-consumption information is subject to validation and internal consistency checks, with evidence corroborated against independent data. Where discrepancies or indicators of possible fraud or error are identified, cases are subject to enhanced checks.

Where fraud or error is identified, the Department may take appropriate action, including reviewing eligibility, adjusting or revoking exemptions. The scheme also includes post-award assurance activity throughout the five-year eligibility period.