15
Accepted
Energy support schemes partially mitigated, but did not prevent, overall increase in fuel poverty.
Conclusion
The Department reported that from mid–2022 to mid–2023, the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) and Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) prevented around 289,000 households in England from going into fuel poverty.39 However, this was not enough to offset the wider impact of soaring energy prices, which still pushed an estimated 238,000 more households into fuel poverty overall.40
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the (implied) recommendation, committing to expanding eligibility for the Warm Home Discount scheme to support more fuel-poor households by December 2025 and actively considering options for better targeting of future energy bill support schemes.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2025 3.2 The Warm Home Discount scheme currently supports over 3 million low income and fuel poor households with an annual energy bills rebate of £150. The government has consulted on expanding eligibility in England and Wales to all households where the bill payer (or their partner or nominee) is in receipt of means tested benefits, with a proportionate increase in the funding available through the Scottish scheme. Under the expansion, it is estimated that 1.6 million fuel poor households across Great Britain would receive the rebate, representing an increase of around 500,000 compared to the current scheme. In total the expansion of the scheme is estimated to reach a further 2.7 million households. 3.3 The department is considering options for better targeting of bill support schemes, including in the event of a future energy crisis. DESNZ is working closely with other government departments to unlock the data that will enable targeting support more effectively to those who need help with their energy bills. The department is working with relevant stakeholders, including advocacy charities, to inform this work. Ministers regularly meet with a range of stakeholders to discuss fuel poverty strategy, and this has included the National Housing Federation.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry
Energy Bills Support
Report
19th Report - Energy Bills Support
28 Mar 2025
HC 511
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
1.3 yr
Report published
28 Mar 2025