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Written question asked by Debbie Abrahams (Labour) on Thursday, 3 March 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 March 2022 (named day). It was answered by Helen Whately (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 March 2022 on behalf of the Treasury.

Energy: Prices

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has carried out an equality impact assessment of the measures he has introduced to support energy consumers.

Answer

The Government is providing significant financial support worth up to £350 to the majority of households. This covers more than half of the forecast £700 rise in energy bills for the average household. This support is worth £9.1bn in 2022-23, delivered through a new Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS), a targeted Council Tax rebate, and discretionary funds for Local Authorities.

Ministers consider a range of evidence and analysis as part of policy development, including assessments of how options under consideration would affect members of groups with protected characteristics, as part of the Government's aims and duties.

The EBSS is still under development. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy will publish a consultation on the detailed implementation of the policy in due course. Ministers will consider a full assessment of the impact of the EBSS as they make final decision on the detailed policy design.

The policy development for the Council Tax Rebate included an assessment of how groups with protected characteristics might be affected, in line with the Public Sector Equalities Duty.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
134011
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Consumers Equality Energy Prices Impact assessments
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk