Written questions by Hayes.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a scheme to help consumers repay energy debt.

The Government recognises consumer energy debt is a large and increasing issue, and it expects energy suppliers to do everything they can to support customers who are struggling with bills, especially vulnerable customers. Many energy suppliers provide schemes to help consumers to repay their energy debt. It is important that anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills contact their supplier. In August, I met with suppliers and encouraged them to build on the Voluntary Debt Commitment from last year and go further in supporting vulnerable customers this winter.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of expanding eligibility to the Warm Home Discount to people in receipt of Personal Independence Payment and Disabled Living Allowance.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is currently focused to support towards those on lowest incomes who receive means-tested benefits and live in a property estimated to be relatively high cost to heat.This winter’s scheme was launched today, 14 October, and we expect it again to support over three million households. We are exploring options to improve the design of the scheme beyond the current regulations which expire in 2026.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing a discounted energy social tariff for disabled households.

The Government has no plans to introduce an energy social tariff this winter. However, we are committed to ensuring vulnerable households are supported with their energy bills and we are looking at all options on how to support these households. The Government is continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills to over 3 million eligible low-income households. We are also working with energy suppliers to ensure they are providing additional support to vulnerable customers. The Government has also extended the Household Support Fund for an additional 6 months until 31 March 2025 with an extra £500 million in funding, and I encourage any individual who is struggling to pay their bills contacts their local authority to see if they are eligible for this support.

What steps he is taking to ensure utilities are affordable for disabled households.

The Government believes that the only way to permanently protect billpayers, including disabled households, is to speed up the transition towards homegrown clean energy and reduce our reliance on volatile international fossil fuel markets.Whilst we make this transition, the Government is committed to ensuring vulnerable households are supported with their energy bills and we are looking at all options on how to support these households.In the short-term, we are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 annual rebate on energy bills for eligible low-income households. We are also working with energy suppliers to ensure they are providing additional support to vulnerable customers that are struggling with bills.