Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to provide any further support to people in arrears on fuel and electricity bills.

The Government recognises that millions of households across the UK have been impacted by rising energy bills and the wider cost of living. That is why the Government is providing over £15 billion in further support, targeted particularly on those with the greatest need. This package is in addition to the over £22 billion announced previously, with government support for the cost of living now totalling over £37 billion this year. The package includes:

• £400 off GB energy bills from October through the expansion of the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS);
• A £650 Cost of Living Payment for over 8 million households across the UK in receipt of means tested benefits;
• A £150 one-off disability Cost of Living Payment for 6 million people who receive non-means tested disability benefits;
• An extra one-off £300 this year for over eight million pensioner households to help them cover the rising cost of energy this winter;
• An extra £500 million of local support, via the Household Support Fund, for households that are not eligible for Cost of Living Payments or for families that still need additional support.

The Government has also expanded and increased the Warm Home Discount. Three million vulnerable households will now receive £150 each year. The Government’s objective for the Warm Home Discount is to focus the support towards those on the lowest incomes and in, or at greatest risk, of fuel poverty.

The Government expects and encourages energy suppliers to make it their priority to work actively to move customers with large arrears balances onto repayment plans wherever possible. This is already an Ofgem licence condition for suppliers.

The Government is monitoring a range of pressures on households, including the cost of energy, and as we move into winter we will continue to listen to people’s concerns.