Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in fuel costs on voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations; and whether he plans to extend support measures to assist the VCSE sector.

We are closely monitoring the impact of fuel and energy prices on businesses and communities caused by the instability in the Middle East, and much will depend on the length of the ongoing crisis. We will not hesitate to act in a targeted and timely manner as we assess the impact of this crisis on voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, local industries and small businesses, including those in rural areas which can be most impacted by fuel costs.

The Government will not tolerate profiteering or unfair practices. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as the independent body responsible for protecting consumers and ensuring competition, is undertaking a detailed examination of the heating oil market and is urgent looking into concerning reports from consumers. Where companies are found to have breached consumer protection law, the CMA will not hesitate to act.

The Chancellor has frozen fuel duty since this Government came to office, extending the 5p fuel duty cut until September and the government has implemented Fuel Finder which will enable VCSEs to access accurate, up-to-date fuel prices wherever they are. These measures will help VCSEs in England and Wales most impacted by rising energy and fuel prices, particularly in rural areas, by providing greater certainty over fuel prices.