Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to Contact for families with disabled children's survey entitled Out of Energy, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his Department's policies of that survey's findings on families with seriously ill and disabled children who have cut back or stopped using essential disability equipment, in the context of rising energy costs.

As set out in my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement, the Government will work with consumer groups and industry to consider the best approach to consumer protection in energy markets from April 2024, including assistance for families with disabled children. The Government will consider all relevant evidence, including this survey, in developing its approach.

On top of the Energy Price Guarantee for all households, the Government has announced an additional £1,200 of support for the eight million most vulnerable households to help with the cost of living. In 2023-24, an additional Cost of Living Payment of £900 will be provided to households on means-tested benefits and £150 to individuals on disability benefits.