Written questions by Jarvis.

What assessment his Department has made of local variations in petrol and diesel prices between fuel retailers; and what steps he is taking to improve consistency and transparency.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recent annual report found that competition has not strengthened since 2023, which was consistent with significant price variations within and between local areas. Fuel Finder is now live, with all petrol filling stations in the UK required to publish their latest prices. Increasing price transparency will increase pressure on fuel retailers to compete strongly to attract consumers by lowering their prices, including at a local level. The CMA will continue to monitor the road fuel market using statutory information gathering powers and will use Fuel Finder data to further assess regional pricing.

What steps his Department is taking to mitigate the potential impacts of fuel supply disruption arising from surges in demand.

The Government is closely monitoring fuel supply and demand in light of the situation in the Middle East. The UK benefits from strong and diverse security of fuel supplies and we are engaging with industry to ensure supply and demand remains resilient.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce UK exposure to potential global LNG market volatility, after the suspension of LNG production by QatarEnergy.

The UK benefits from a wide variety of gas supply sources, including the UK Continental Shelf, pipeline imports from reliable partners like Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as significant LNG import capability. This limits our reliance on any one source of supply. The Department is working closely with key industry partners, like National Gas, the transmission system operator, to ensure adequate supply during this period of global disruption, and we are confident that this diverse supply portfolio will continue to meet the country’s energy needs, just as in previous geopolitical events. Ultimately the best way to retain our energy security and protect billpayers permanently is to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels, reducing our reliance on natural gas and moving towards home-grown clean energy. That is why making Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030 is one of the Prime Minister’s five missions, with the biggest investment in home-grown clean energy in British history.

What is planned timetable is for a decision on the inclusion of woodland and peatland carbon codes within the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.

The Government is working to integrate greenhouse gas removals into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and is considering whether this should include high integrity woodland, such as Woodland Carbon Units under the Woodland Carbon Code. The UK ETS Authority consulted in May 2024, and in July 2025 set out further evidence on the potential impacts of including woodland. The Authority will make a decision on woodland inclusion in due course. As set out in July 2025, the Authority is not considering peatland restoration for inclusion in the UK ETS.

What progress his Department has made towards phasing out gas boilers by 2035; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of that timeframe in meeting the UK’s carbon reduction targets.

The Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan sets out the government's proposals and policies to enable carbon budgets to be met. In doing so, it provides an assessment of the impact of the government’s expectation that the vast majority of heating system replacements will be low-carbon by 2035. We are making significant progress towards this objective. Demand for heat pumps and other clean technologies is soaring, while our Warm Homes Plan sets out ?15 billion of investment and a range of interventions to ensure that clean heating technologies are the most attractive and natural option for consumers.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of (a) oversight, (b) accountability and (c) redress mechanisms with home energy efficiency schemes; what steps he is taking to help reduce the number of errors; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of processes for households to (i) challenge and (ii) seek review of decisions.

The Government recognises that the system of quality assurance and consumer redress that we inherited needs reform. We have improved the quality assurance and consumer protection systems since identifying the issues with solid wall insulation under ECO4 and GBIS, including but not limited to enhanced checks by energy suppliers and greater oversight of TrustMark and certification body operations. We are committed to reforming the consumer protection system, as set out in the Warm Homes Plan, to one that can command public confidence.

Whether his Department has assessed the potential impact of the recommendations in the Nuclear Regulatory Review, including proposals to amend the Habitats Regulations on the environment.

At Budget the Chancellor confirmed that government endorses the report’s approach and accepts the principles of all recommendations it set out. We will present a full implementation plan by the end of February 2026, taking account of our international obligations, national security considerations, and planning, environmental and court processes. We will undertake the appropriate impact assessments at the relevant stages of any proposed changes.

What assessment his Department his made of the potential impact of extending EPC C minimum energy efficiency requirements to self-catering holiday lets on the financial viability of small businesses.

Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation sought views on whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our changes to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties. We have engaged widely with stakeholders during the consultation process, including the self-catering holiday lets sector, and a government response will be published in due course.

What estimate he has made of the number of households currently in fuel debt.

The Government does not have its own estimate of the number of households in fuel debt, but more needs to be done between regulators, suppliers and Government to tackle the problem of energy debt. In December, Ofgem published an updated debt strategy which included the publications of two consultations. The first proposed an energy debt relief scheme for consumers who accrued debt during the energy crisis. The second consulted on ways to improve debt standards. Both of these consultations have now closed and Ofgem will carefully consider the feedback received, and we will stand ready to work closely with them on their findings.

What estimate his Department has made of the cost to homeowners of removing spray foam insulation.

The Department has not made an estimate however continues to engage with the spray foam industry, lenders and consumer bodies to resolve the issues some homeowners are facing. It is important homeowners get proper independent advice, such as that available online from RICS, before making any decisions on removal. Poor-quality installations are the result of years of a failed system, and this government is committed to introducing new reforms to drive up quality and protect consumers through the Warm Homes Plan.

What support his Department is providing to households to access home insulation schemes in Eastleigh constituency.

The government is supporting the delivery of installation of fabric insulation across the country, including those households in Eastleigh, through schemes including the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) and Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH: LG) The government also recognises the need to provide trusted and impartial information to consumers when making choices about how to retrofit their homes. The government's home retrofit tool on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency), provides tailored recommendations for home improvements. A phoneline service is available on 0800 098 7950.

What steps he has taken to ensure plans are in place to manage major power outages.

Maintaining a secure electricity supply is a key priority for Government. DESNZ work closely with the energy industry to ensure robust response plans are in place to mitigate the impacts of energy disruption. These emergency procedures and protocols are set out in the National Emergency Plan for Downstream Gas and Electricity which is available on the GOV.UK website.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits the installation of solar technology on home balconies.

The UK has huge potential for solar power, and the Government is committed to working with industry to radically increase our existing solar capacity, through a variety of methods, to meet the targets set out in the Clean Power Action Plan. Plug-in solar provides an opportunity for households to adopt solar more cheaply. The recently published Solar Roadmap includes an action for the Government to conduct a safety study this year. This safety study is currently out to tender, and the results will determine how we can progress with this work, with the aim of unlocking opportunities for plug-in solar in the near future.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in energy bills on consumers.

We recognise that bills going up will be worrying news for families. The reason for the increase to the price cap is due to an increase in wholesale energy costs which are influenced by international energy markets which we cannot control. This is why our Clean Power 2030 Mission is so vital. In the short term, we are extending support to ballplayers through the expanded Warm Home Discount, and we are working with Ofgem to accelerate work on a potential energy debt scheme.

Whether his Department plans to consult on the EPC of C or above requirement for rental properties.

The Government will consult shortly on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation will include proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030.

If he will ensure that the investment reserve of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme is transferred back to members.

The Government is receptive to representations regarding the BCSSS. I recently met with the Trustees of the Scheme to discuss their proposals, and will be discussing the matter with the Treasury in due course.