Energy Security and Net Zero The Secretary of State was asked—
Household Income: Energy Costs Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab) 1.
If she will make an estimate of the proportion of households that
spent more than 10% of their income on energy costs in (a) 2021 and
(b) 2022. (900331) The Secretary of State for Energy Security and
Net Zero (Claire Coutinho) In England, the share of households
required to spend more than 10% of their income on energy
after...Request free trial
Energy Security and Net Zero
The Secretary of State was asked—
Household Income: Energy Costs
(Rotherham) (Lab)
1. If she will make an estimate of the proportion of households
that spent more than 10% of their income on energy costs in (a)
2021 and (b) 2022. (900331)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
In England, the share of households required to spend more than
10% of their income on energy after housing costs was 21% in 2021
and 30% in 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine that year. We
provided close to £40 billion of energy support to households and
businesses last winter, one of the most generous levels in
Europe. Since then, we have seen the Ofgem price cap fall from
£4,279 at its peak in January 2023 to £1,928 from January
2024.
More than 20% of Rotherham households are living in fuel poverty,
yet the Government’s flagship energy policy will not, by their
own admission, save a single penny from those households’ energy
bills. Bills are set to rise again in January. How can the
Minister justify the Government’s appalling failure to act to
support my constituents, struggling to heat their homes this
winter?
The extra support announced by the Chancellor last week brings
our total cost of living support to £104 billion over the period
2022 to 2025. That is one of the largest support packages
anywhere in Europe. On top of that, we are providing £900 in cost
of living payments across 2023 and 2024 to ensure that support
gets to those most in need.
(Barrow and Furness) (Con)
I recently bumped into Christopher Thexton, who is one of the
“green doctors” working out of College House in Barrow. He does
an amazing job with his team, going into homes to try to help
people to save money on their energy bills and reduce the cost of
living, whether that is help with energy debt, fixing drafts in
their home or even changing the lightbulbs to make them more
energy-efficient, but demand is massively outstripping supply.
Can my right hon. Friend speak to whether any more support is
available to such teams to help people on the ground to reduce
their energy bills?
We are spending £20 billion on energy efficiency over this
Parliament and the next. We can be proud of the steps we have
taken so far. When we took over in 2010, just 14% of homes were
energy-efficient. Now the number is 50%, and we have plans to go
further.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Minister.
(Manchester, Withington)
(Lab)
An estimated 6.3 million households are in fuel poverty across
the UK. Ofgem has announced that energy debt has reached £2.6
billion. With millions of people facing another difficult winter,
the Government promised to consult on a social tariff to help the
most vulnerable. Can the Secretary of State provide an update on
that consultation?
People mean many different things by a social tariff, but
fundamentally it is about providing people with support to help
with their bills. Just in the autumn statement, we have increased
the national living wage, which is worth £1,800 to people;
increased benefits by 6.7%, which is worth £470; and cut national
insurance contributions, which is worth £450. Those are all on
top of the £900 cost of living support we already have in
place.
Mr Speaker
I call the Scottish National party spokesperson.
(Angus) (SNP)
Thursday is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, and recently the Scottish
Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel estimated that nearly 30% of
households in Scotland are facing extreme fuel poverty, up from
12% in 2019. Does the Secretary of State agree that at the very
least that is concerning? Somehow a third of my constituents in
the north-east of Scotland—home to a 50-year bonanza for His
Majesty’s Treasury—live in energy-rich Scotland but find
themselves in fuel poverty. Is that what Unionists mean by
pooling and sharing resources?
We have taken energy prices going up incredibly seriously, which
is why we have spent £104 billion protecting the British people.
That is one of the most generous packages anywhere in Europe. If
the hon. Member cares about the incomes of people in Scotland, I
suggest that he backs British oil and gas jobs.
Inflation Reduction Act and Low Carbon Industries
(Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)
2. What recent assessment she has made of the impact of the US
Inflation Reduction Act on levels of investment in low carbon
industries in the UK. (900332)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
In the UK, we have seen nearly £200 billion-worth of investment
in low carbon sectors since 2010. That is 50% more than the US as
a share of GDP. At the global investment summit just yesterday,
it was clear that businesses see Britain very much as open for
business, and that was backed up by £29 billion-worth of
investment.
In the summer, I heard about President Biden’s plan to use
America’s industrial might to power up New York using offshore
wind. Given that we need to turbocharge the green economy, why
will the Government’s response to the Inflation Reduction Act not
come into effect until 2025?
We have taken many steps already. We have set out new plans for
auction round 6 of renewable energy and for permanent
economy-wide full expensing. We changed planning, and we are
unlocking the grid. The fund that the hon. Member mentioned will
unlock supply chains across the UK. What have people said?
Scottish Renewables has said it is
“a shot in the arm for the sector”.
The Offshore Wind Industry Council has said that it will help us
retain our position as a “global leader”. It has been welcomed by
Make UK, Energy UK and many other businesses as well.
(Preseli Pembrokeshire)
(Con)
Last week, the Chancellor’s autumn statement included an
important commitment on the Government’s part to bring forward
legislation to modernise the Crown Estate’s investment and
borrowing powers, which is a vital step for deploying 16 GW of
floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea. That will benefit the
whole of Wales, and we hope in particular my constituency and the
port of Milford Haven. When are the Government likely to bring
forward that important legislation?
My right hon. Friend has been a doughty champion for the Celtic
sea. He knows that we have a commitment to unlock an additional
12 GW of wind power in the Celtic sea. That is important to us,
and we will bring forward the legislation in due course.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Minister.
(Croydon Central) (Lab)
Instead of properly responding to America’s Inflation Reduction
Act, the Government held a meeting with businesses yesterday—you
might not have seen it, Mr Speaker, as it did not make any of the
front pages. Was the global investment summit not just a
distraction from the same old fundamentals—business confidence is
down, exports are down, and growth forecasts are down after 13
years of instability and uncertainty? Does the Secretary of State
think that lack of business confidence is because her Government
trashed the economy last year, because her Government told
business to eff off, or because, as Mark Carney said, the
Government have “juvenilised” the climate debate instead of using
it as a driver of good jobs? Does she not agree with those from a
global pension fund I spoke to this morning who said it is time
we got some adults in the room?
What we saw yesterday was £7 billion from Iberdrola for UK
electricity networks and renewables, and £300 million from Aira,
the heat pump installer. In the last couple of weeks, we have had
£500 million from Sea Wind, £2 billion from Nissan, and £186
million from Siemens Gamesa. What the hon. Lady should understand
is that there is a difference between what the Government are
offering, which is £29 billion of investment, and what Labour is
offering, which is £28 billion of borrowing.
Net Zero Targets: Businesses
(Denton and Reddish)
(Lab)
3. What recent discussions she has had with businesses on the
Government's net zero targets. (900333)
(Edinburgh South West)
(SNP)
16. What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the
contribution of businesses to helping meet the UK's net zero
targets. (900346)
As a fellow Lancastrian, I hope you had a good Lancashire Day
yesterday, Mr Speaker.
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
As a Yorkshire MP, I resent that remark. [Laughter.]
I meet regularly with business leaders and organisations. I chair
or co-chair, among others: the Offshore Wind Industry Council,
which I will be going straight to after questions; the solar
taskforce; the green jobs delivery group, which met yesterday;
the North sea transition forum, which I will attend tomorrow;
and, from a strategic cross-cutting point of view, the Net Zero
Council. Of course, the Secretary of State and I met global
leaders yesterday.
Well, as the Minister seems to meet so many business leaders, he
must have heard their shock and horror about the Government’s
roll-backs on net zero. Earlier this month, the Aviva chief
executive officer Amanda Blanc said that the Government were
putting our climate goals as a country “under threat”, putting at
risk
“jobs, growth and the additional investment the UK requires”.
She is not wrong, is she?
The hon. Gentleman has a well-founded and highly esteemed
reputation for anger. Under this Government, this country has cut
its emissions more than any other major economy on the planet,
and we have the most ambitious plans for 2030. When I attend
COP28 next week, we will be inviting and supporting others to
join the UK, which under this Conservative Government has led the
way on a pathway to net zero.
The Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre
based at Heriot-Watt University in my constituency is doing
incredible work on the green transformation across the UK’s
industrial heartlands. It is working with all the biggest
industrial clusters and is supporting more than 30 universities
and research initiatives, looking at all aspects of the
Government’s decarbonisation challenge. As such, it is well
placed to assist business to meet our net zero targets. The
problem is that its funding is coming to an end next March, and
at present there is nothing to replace it. The science Minister
promised me a meeting about this urgent issue several months ago,
but it has been cancelled a number of times. Will the Minister
advocate with his colleague so that I can get this meeting
arranged and get funding in place for IDRIC to continue its
fantastic work?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question and for championing vital
research, not least in Scotland. I am looking forward to meeting
scientists when I am in Scotland over the next couple of days. We
have all heard her request, and it will be noted.
Mr Speaker
I call the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee.
(Ludlow) (Con)
My right hon. Friend mentioned that he will go to COP28 next
week. Could he remind Members of the House, particularly those on
the Opposition Benches, of the measures taken in last week’s
autumn statement to help to promote the green energy agenda in
this country?
My hon. Friend is quite right. We must never forget the parlous
state of this country in 2010. Less than 7% of our electricity
came from renewables—that was the legacy of the right hon. Member
for Doncaster North (). In the first quarter of
this year, that was nearly 48%. Opposition Members raised the
issue of people being cold and unable to pay their bills, but
just 14% of homes were insulated properly; now, it is 50%. In
last week’s autumn statement we heard announcements about the
grid and—
Mr Speaker
Order. The Minister talks about emissions, and we are getting a
lot of them from him today.
(Morecambe and Lunesdale)
(Con)
My constituents put in 10% of the energy into the national grid
from two nuclear power stations. We are No. 7 on the template for
new builds, so I would like to invite the Under-Secretary of
State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my hon. Friend the Member
for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine () to come to Heysham to see
for himself the good work of EDF and the new nuclear power
programme that is coming to my constituency.
My hon. Friend is a stout champion not only of the pathway to net
zero but of the jobs and prosperity that come with it. It is with
great alacrity that I accept on behalf of my hon. Friend the
Minister.
Fuel Poverty
(Glasgow North East)
(SNP)
4. What assessment her Department has made of trends in the level
of fuel poverty since 2018.(900334)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The share of households in fuel poverty in England reduced every
year between 2010 and 2021, with energy efficiency being the key
driver. Although fuel poverty is devolved, we continue to engage
with the devolved Administrations, including on specific schemes
such as the energy company obligation and the warm home
discount.
Across the world and in the United Kingdom, human rights are
being eroded and fuel poverty is on the rise. This Government
could address both by declaring access to energy a human right.
It would mean that people could not be cut off willy-nilly simply
because they could not afford to pay for their energy at that
time. Does the Minister agree that energy should be a human
right? If not, will she tell me which human beings she believes
should not have the right to heat their homes?
As the hon. Lady indicated, the Government take fuel poverty
incredibly seriously. Everybody has the right to heat. We have
been helping people with their energy bills, including a £900
cost of living allowance, as well as all the great things that we
announced in the autumn statement.
Community Energy Schemes
(Glasgow North) (SNP)
5. What steps her Department is taking to support the development
of community energy schemes. (900335)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Government have created a new £10 million community energy
fund to support community energy projects in England. We are
working with the sector on content and a timetable for a
consultation on barriers for community energy projects.
Does the Minister recognise the frustration and disappointment at
the length of time and legislative barriers that remain for
campaigning community groups who want community energy schemes to
move forward? It is the most secure way of generating
electricity. The Conservatives are supposed to be the party of
free markets and competition, so why are they denying consumers
the choice that would come with an exciting community energy
scheme?
Far from denying consumers opportunity, we are already beginning
to work with organisations, such as the Community Energy Contact
Group. On the content of the consultation we launched and whether
it should include solutions to barriers, I will need to take a
view when it responds.
(The Wrekin) (Con)
My right hon. Friend the Minister for Energy Security and Net
Zero earlier mentioned the solar taskforce. Will my hon. Friend
the Under-Secretary liaise with his colleagues and the National
Farmers Union on combining community energy schemes with farmers
and the rural sector? The solar taskforce mentions acres of
supermarket rooftops being available for solar, but makes no
reference to farm buildings. It makes sense that community
schemes, working with local farmers in rural areas, can deliver
community energy and allow farmers to diversify.
I hear very much what my right hon. Friend says and understand
his concerns. It is therefore with equal alacrity that I accept a
meeting on my right hon. Friend the Minister’s behalf to discuss
those issues moving forward.
Prepayment Meters: Vulnerable Households
(Rochdale) (Lab)
6. If she will make an assessment of the impact of the mandatory
code of practice for the involuntary installation of prepayment
meters on vulnerable households. (900336)
(Rutherglen and Hamilton
West) (Lab)
20. If she will make an assessment of the impact of the mandatory
code of practice for the involuntary installation of prepayment
meters on vulnerable households. (900350)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Secretary of State and I met CEOs of energy suppliers
recently. We emphasised that Ofgem’s new rules must be
implemented and lead to improved protections for vulnerable
consumers. We are working closely with Ofgem and the industry to
ensure that that is the case.
The Minister will be aware that the ban on the involuntary
installation of prepayment meters will be lifted soon. That will
mean families with children over two years old and pensioners
under 75 who are still vulnerable will potentially face the
higher cost of prepayment meters. There is the possibility, of
course, that when they run out of tokens they will be cut off. Is
that right?
First of all, we have been mindful of ensuring that there is no
higher cost to prepayment meters. We are mindful of the fact that
prepayment meters have a place in certain households, because we
are very sure that we must not increase debt. However, one reason
why we scrutinised the process so carefully is to ensure that it
does not impact negatively on vulnerable customers.
I thank the Minister for that answer, but what is it about the
code of practice that means two-year-olds are vulnerable but
three-year-olds are not? What is the difference between those
households? Why has Scottish Power been able to go to court to
obtain warrants to install prepayment meters forcibly before it
has been able to demonstrate any compliance with the code? Is
that not the wrong way around?
Just for assurance, we have held conversations with Ofgem and
suppliers to make sure no forced instalments have taken place
yet. We are scrutinising the system to ensure that all vulnerable
people are able to access the energy they need.
Onshore Wind Farms
Dame (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/Co-op)
7. If she will take steps to increase the number of onshore wind
farms. (900337)
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
This has been a record year for onshore wind, which is already
the largest renewables technology. The latest contract for
difference added an unprecedented 1.7 GW.
Dame
The Minister seems to be comparing figures I have not seen. If it
is a record year, why have we seen such a dramatic drop in
planning applications for onshore wind farms and in the number of
onshore wind farms delivered? From a peak of 64 applications in
2011, it went right down to zero in 2019 and now to 10 in 2022,
the latest figures the House of Commons Library could provide.
That does not seem like a record year to me. Is it not time the
Government stopped shilly-shallying on onshore wind and backed
the builders, not the blockers?
The hon. Lady is renowned in the House for her arithmetic skills,
but in this case they seem to have failed her. The 1.7 GW is a
tremendous success. I share her enthusiasm for onshore wind where
communities support it. In September, the Government announced
changes to planning policy for onshore wind in England to help
make it easier and quicker for local planning authorities to
consider and, where appropriate, approve onshore wind projects
where there is local support.
(Kettering) (Con)
In the Kettering constituency there are 30 large wind turbines.
Together with solar panels, they generate enough renewable
electricity to power all 45,000 homes in the constituency. Is
this not yet another case of where Kettering leads, others
follow?
My hon. Friend has championed, does champion and, I am sure, will
continue for many years to champion the good people of Kettering,
and the fact that they are providing such leadership on net zero
and the delivery of renewables after our parlous inheritance from
the Labour party. Let us make sure that we never go back to a
system in which renewables are not brought on to our grid in the
way they are today.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Minister.
(Southampton, Test)
(Lab)
The Minister is being a little shameless with his figures. We
really ought to look at what is continuing to happen in England.
In England, industry and other bodies warned that the supposed
changes to onshore planning restrictions that were announced in
September were far too timid to make any real difference to the
dearth of new onshore wind.
I recently visited the site in Leighton Buzzard of the only
turbine that has been put in place onshore in England since those
supposed restrictions were lifted. It turns out that it has been
in the planning process since 2014, and is not on a new site
anyway. The Department’s renewable energy planning database shows
that there are precisely zero new schemes in the pipeline in
England. Should the Minister not go away and reconsider the
remaining planning and funding restrictions on onshore wind so
that it really can get going again?
As I have said, I share the enthusiasm on both sides of the House
for onshore wind. The Government have set regulations that
require onshore wind developers to consult communities in advance
of submitting a planning application, as well as having it
consulted on post-submission. We make no apology for rolling out
this transformation in renewable technologies in concert with
communities, rather than seeking to ride roughshod over them.
AQUIND Interconnector Project
(Portsmouth South) (Lab)
8. When she plans to make a decision on the application for
development consent for the proposed AQUIND interconnector
project.(900338)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The proposed AQUIND interconnector project is a live planning
application currently being redetermined by my right hon. Friend
the Secretary of State, who is progressing the work in the normal
course of business. That means that, as set out in the planning
propriety guidance, I am unable to give any further information
on the progress of this live case.
Portsmouth people have waited far too long for the Government to
decide against AQUIND. Will the co-owner’s donation of more than
£1 million to the Tories—including £6,000 to the Prime Minister’s
constituency party and over £70,000 to the Chancellor—be a factor
in the Minister’s decision on what is a disastrous project for
Portsmouth?
The Secretary of State is following a well-established planning
process. I am sorry that I cannot say any more about this live
case beyond what I have said already; it is with the Department
and the Secretary of State for a decision.
Climate Change Committee: Progress Report
(Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)
9. What assessment she has made of the implications for her
policies of the Climate Change Committee’s 2023 progress report
to Parliament.(900339)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
The Climate Change Committee itself has said that there was “no
material difference” in our overall projections after we made the
changes to policies in September. The Government have taken
considerable further steps since then, including our introduction
of the zero-emission vehicle mandate, our agreement with Tata
Steel on industrial electrification in Port Talbot, and reform of
electricity grid connections.
The Climate Change Committee has stated that the UK needs to
“regain its international climate leadership”,
but last year the Prime Minister was uninterested in attending
COP27. The committee’s recent report to Parliament made it clear
that the UK was
“no longer a climate leader”.
Since then we have seen approval for massive oilfields, weakened
climate targets, and the resignation of a Minister because the
Prime Minister is so “uninterested”. COP28 is days away, and
there is still confusion over whether the Government will push
for the phasing out of fossil fuels. Given all that, is it not
fair to say that the Government are failing to do everything
possible to halt the climate breakdown?
The UK has one of the most ambitious climate targets in
comparison with any of our international peers. The UN’s
emissions gap report, published just last week, shows that the UK
is expected to reduce emissions between 2015 and 2030 at the
fastest rate in the G20 group. We remain extremely ambitious
about climate change. We have over-delivered on all our carbon
budgets to date, and the work that has been done shows that we
will continue to do so.
(Esher and Walton) (Con)
The committee’s recent progress report advocated a faster
transition to lower-carbon energy. What fiscal and regulatory
measures are the Government taking to encourage more capital
investment by business in this important area?
We are already taking steps. We have set out new plans for
another round of renewable auctions, and we have set out the most
radical plans to unlock the electricity grid since the 1950s. We
have also launched a new gigafund that will unlock supply chains
across all these areas, and we can see that investors are voting
with their feet.
(Oldham West and Royton)
(Lab/Co-op)
When it comes to national and household energy security,
ownership matters, as championed by the Co-op party. The Labour
party is committed to 1 million owners of UK-produced renewable
energy, with 8 GW that will be cheap, green and owned by the
people here in the UK, so why will the Government not meet that
ambition?
I think the hon. Gentleman’s argument is completely wrong-headed.
Let us look at what the UK Government have done since 2010. We
now have the first, second, third, fourth and fifth largest
offshore wind farms anywhere in the world. As I have said, the
plans we have set out meant that yesterday we were able to secure
£29 billion of investment into this country. That will drive jobs
and prosperity. The Opposition’s plan is to borrow £28 billion,
which would only drive up inflation.
(North East Bedfordshire)
(Con)
Yesterday was Lancashire Day and today is Bedfordshire Day—happy
Bedfordshire Day to all Members. It is the job of the Climate
Change Committee to be enthusiastic about achieving our net zero
goals. It is the responsibility of the Government to be fiscally
prudent in achieving that objective. Does my right hon. Friend
agree with the Prime Minister that we need to be clear with the
British public all the way along about the costs that will be
incurred to achieve our net zero ambitions?
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. It is really important
that we are honest with the British public. We are pursuing the
most ambitious climate targets, but we will do so in a sensible
way that protects the economy, grows jobs and investment, and
ensures that we can deliver for the country not only on energy
security but on our climate change ambitions.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Minister.
(Bristol East) (Lab)
I have to say that I spent the first 40 years of my life in
Bedfordshire and I had no idea that Bedfordshire Day was a thing,
but happy Bedfordshire Day anyway.
Fifteen years ago, the Labour Government introduced the Climate
Change Act 2008, a landmark piece of legislation that has guided
climate policy and progress in this country and inspired similar
action around the world—admirably led, it has to be said, by my
right hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster North (). But where is that
leadership now? How can the Prime Minister show his face at COP
when, in the words of the Climate Change Committee, his entirely
cynical backtracking has created
“widespread uncertainty for consumers and the supply chain”,
has increased
“both energy bills and motoring costs”
and made
“Net Zero considerably harder to achieve”?
I think the hon. Lady is putting a lot of words into the Climate
Change Committee’s mouth there. What it actually said was that,
in terms of emissions, it would make no material difference. As I
have said, the UN’s emissions gap report showed just last week
that the UK was expected to reduce emissions between 2015 and
2030 at the fastest rate in the G20 group. This is yet more doom
and gloom from the Opposition. If we look at what we have
actually achieved, we can see that we have the most ambitious
targets in the world and we have set out unprecedented levels of
detail. We will continue to do so.
Energy Bills Alternative Funds
(Edinburgh West) (LD)
10. What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of
the energy bills support scheme alternative fund and the
alternative fuel payment alternative fund.(900340)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Government provide energy bills support through the energy
bills support scheme alternative funding to over 150,000
households, and via the alternative fuel payment alternative fund
to nearly 90,000 households that could not automatically access
this vital support.
Energy bills are up 50% since 2021, but there was no mention of
this in the autumn statement and £440 million earmarked for the
most vulnerable households went unspent last year, yet in my
constituency of Edinburgh West, pensioners, carers and disabled
people who often have to use more electricity for life-saving
equipment are paying those bigger bills. All of them are also
paying higher standing charges than elsewhere in the UK. If the
Chancellor will not commit to reopening the energy bills support
scheme or the alternative fuel payment scheme, will the Secretary
of State do so?
Of course, as a Government we are looking at the standing
charges; it is imperative that we do that and Ofgem is working
through that. We have also given an unprecedented amount of
support to households and non-domestic organisations. I reiterate
that there is support at the moment. We have the £900 for the
cost of living. We also have the disability allowance and other
allowances. To give assurance, I meet regularly with all
stakeholders.
National Grid Infrastructure: East of England
(Clacton) (Con)
11. What discussions she has had with National Grid on its
planned timetable for building new substations, pylons and
cabling in the east of England.(900341)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
I frequently meet the network companies to discuss their
important work developing our electricity transmission network. I
have also been pleased to meet communities and MPs from East
Anglia to discuss concerns about network infrastructure. However,
as the decision maker for planning consents, the Department does
not get involved in individual projects.
I feel moved to found a Clacton Day. Why not?
I have called for the old Bradwell site on the Dengie peninsula
to be used for the arrival of undersea cables, as opposed to
wrecking the environment of Essex and other areas with
substations, pylons and so on. With the scrapping of High Speed 2
as an example, does my hon. Friend agree that public bodies now
need to do a better job of assessing possible alternatives,
instead of just barrelling forward with boatloads of taxpayers’
cash and destroying our beautiful countryside?
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. As he knows from when
we met to discuss this in June, the Electricity System Operator
is responsible for planning the design and location of grid
reinforcement, while transmission owners develop individual
projects. I understand that Bradwell had been assessed but was
not deemed appropriate for this project. However, I cannot
comment on specific projects, in order to avoid prejudicing
planning decisions. I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend
again to discuss this in further detail.
Offshore Wind Sector
(East Lothian) (Alba)
12. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues
on support for workers in the offshore wind sector.(900342)
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
This Government are proud to have made the UK a global leader in
offshore wind, and the industry believes that UK jobs in the
sector will rise from the current 30,000-plus to 100,000-plus by
2030—if, of course, Conservative stewardship continues.
Jobs for whom? That is the question. We have already seen the
shameful situation of UK seafarers who work in the offshore wind
sector being laid off, to be replaced by low-wage, exploited
migrant labour. As the sector develops, as we see people go out
to work on the turbines for longer and as we see the building of
floating accommodation for them to stay on, there is a huge risk
that those workers—not just those on the supply ships—will also
face exploitation. Will the Minister work with Cabinet colleagues
to ensure that the national minimum wage applies in the offshore
sector beyond the 12-mile territorial limit? That is the solution
to protect our workers, and those from abroad, from being
exploited.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, and I share his
enthusiasm for making sure that we continue the development of
good, well-paid jobs, and the development of the skills required
to help people access those jobs, and that we do not have
exploitation onshore or offshore during that development. It is a
huge opportunity for the United Kingdom and for Scotland. Working
together, I am sure we can develop it.
(East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con)
As we know from the excellent Rampion wind farm in Sussex
bay—hopefully it will soon be expanded—offshore wind farms
support workers not just in energy production but in tourism,
fishing and leisure too. This year we celebrate 50 years of the
Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. It is estimated that there are
more than 6,000 wrecks around the UK coast, but only 57 of them
are listed, so will my right hon. Friend speak to his colleagues
in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about how we can
co-ordinate activity between new wind farms and marine
archaeologists so that we can boost both our efforts to combat
climate change and our cultural protection, which will give
particular assistance to coastal communities?
As ever, my hon. Friend puts his finger on an important point.
Existing assets such as wrecks have so many uses, all of which
need to be understood. Our seas look so large, but they have
multiple uses for shipping, defence and energy. We are working to
ensure that we have a strategic, joined-up energy plan and a
spatial strategy so that wrecks, marine protected areas and other
interests can all be protected in an integrated manner.
Energy Bills Support: Shropshire
(Shrewsbury and Atcham)
(Con)
13. What steps her Department is taking to support people in
Shropshire with their energy bills.(900343)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Government are continuing to provide up to £900 of cost of
living support throughout 2023-24 to help vulnerable households,
which is an increase on the £650 that we provided the previous
year, as well as targeted support such as £150 through the warm
home discount.
I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Farmers in my
constituency and the neighbouring Ludlow constituency are among
the most productive in the United Kingdom and, speaking as one of
the Prime Minister’s trade envoys, we are very proud of their
contribution to British exports. At the moment, they are rather
adversely affected by rising energy costs. What additional
assistance will the Government give to the agricultural sector to
help this very important industry survive?
My hon. Friend is a champion for Shropshire and for the farming
industry. Farmers in Shropshire constituencies and across the UK
have already benefited from the energy bill relief scheme, which
ended on 31 March and provided more than £7.4 billion of
support.
Mr Speaker
I call the Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero
Committee.
(Na h-Eileanan an
Iar) (Ind)
I wish to welcome Faroese politicians who are here watching
today. In the past year, the energy bills support scheme
alternative fund was set up to help 900,000 households. As the
Minister said earlier, only about 150,000—141,000, in fact—got
the £400 promised, which means that 750,000 eligible households
missed out on their £400. With one in four bill payers now in
energy debt, will the Government keep their promise and make good
to those 750,000 who missed out on that money when the scheme
closed in May?
As I stated, the alternative fund was an incredible support and
provided households with that support. The Government lent in to
try to ensure that everyone who was entitled to the funding was
able to receive it. Now that the scheme has closed, the money
will return to His Majesty’s Treasury.
Energy-intensive Industries
(Stockton North) (Lab)
14. What steps her Department is taking to help energy-intensive
industries to decarbonise.(900344)
(Sheffield, Brightside and
Hillsborough) (Lab)
22. What steps her Department is taking to help energy-intensive
industries to decarbonise.(900352)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Government have committed £20 billion to support early
development of CCUS—carbon capture, usage and storage—and £500
million to the industrial energy transformation fund to help
industry to decarbonise, with phase 3 expected to open for
applications in early 2024.
We are still waiting for a lot of that to happen. The Tees Valley
hosts a huge number of energy-intensive industries, but we have
lost many of them over the years—a few years ago it was
steelmaking, but more recently we saw the demise of the Cleveland
Bridge & Engineering Company at Darlington, which built the
Sydney harbour bridge. The last ammonia manufacturing plant in
the country, that of CF Fertilisers, closed its doors this year,
as did Mitsubishi’s Cassel works, with both citing that their
energy costs were way higher than those of their European and
American competitors. What are Ministers going to do to ensure
that we do not have any more closures as a result of their policy
failures?
It is a shame that the hon. Gentleman could not find it within
himself to congratulate Mayor on all the work he is doing to
bring steelmaking back to the Tees Valley for the first time in a
generation. The Government are engaging with the steel industry
on a sustainable future, as announced on 15 September. Tata Steel
expects to invest £1.25 billion, including a UK Government grant
worth up to £500 million, in a new electric arc furnace. Frankly,
the hon. Gentleman should start talking up the Tees Valley.
Sheffield has a proud history of steelmaking, so much so that we
are known globally as the “steel city.” To this day, steel
supports thousands of jobs in Sheffield, but repeated failures by
this Government mean that more and more families are worried
about the future of this key industry and the livelihoods that
depend on it. Will the Minister commit to giving this vital
sector the support it needs to decarbonise in a fair way, while
ensuring that the industry has a green, sustainable and
prosperous future?
I thank the hon. Lady for that question and, yes, I can give that
commitment, because we are already engaging in that work. We are
working with companies up and down the UK to ensure that they are
able to decarbonise and deliver secure, high-wage, high-skilled
jobs into the future, which will be the backbone of this economy
as we move forward.
(Banff and Buchan) (Con)
First, let me thank the Government for the support they give for
CCUS, and not least the Acorn project in my constituency. Does my
hon. Friend agree that CCUS needs to be developed across the UK
at pace? Does he recognise the particular value of new CCUS power
stations, such as the planned project in Peterhead in my
constituency, which will generate more than 900 MW and, in
conjunction with the Acorn project, will do so 95%
emission-free?
Yes, I thank my hon. Friend and congratulate him on his
relentless efforts to decarbonise the North sea and the
north-east of Scotland, and his support for the Acorn project. I
was pleased to join him and the Prime Minister at the
announcement on that in the summer. As my hon. Friend knows, CCUS
is a priority for this Government, and we are progressing at
pace. Power CCUS will be a vital component of our route to net
zero, which is why we are committed to supporting at least one
power CCUS plant by the mid-2020s.
(Vale of Glamorgan) (Con)
The Government are taking significant steps to support industrial
clusters around the UK. They are each at a different stage of
development and much of the technology is emerging as we speak,
but the 2030 target is quite close and the scale of investment
runs into billions of pounds. What engagement is my hon. Friend
undertaking to discuss investment plans with individual
businesses, to ensure that they meet the target and use the
latest available technologies?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that investment is key
to delivering our ambitious plans, which is why the Secretary of
State was at the global investment summit yesterday. Working with
the Department for Business and Trade and the Minister for
Investment, we are engaging with companies on a daily basis,
inspecting their investment plans to ensure they are fit for this
country and the future, and will deliver the ambitious,
world-leading targets we have set ourselves to decarbonise and
provide the jobs of the future for this country.
Household Energy Efficiency
(City of Chester) (Lab)
15. If she will make an estimate of the number of households that
had energy efficiency measures installed in (a) 2010 and (b)
2022. (900345)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
In 2010, 960,000 measures were installed. In 2022, around 200,000
measures were installed. In 2010, Government schemes were aimed
at low-cost, easy-to-install measures. In 2022, our funding
schemes focused on high-cost measures.
Upgrading homes to energy performance certificate band C would
create a huge economic and social boost to Britain. In my
constituency of Chester more than half of homes are below EPC C
and almost 20% of the housing stock is classed as historic, as it
was built before 1919. What plans does the Department have to
upskill the workforce and speed up the roll-out of energy
efficient homes, including historic buildings, such as the ones
in my constituency?
The hon. Lady makes a good point about upskilling the workforce.
Good progress has been made and around half of all homes will now
reach the Government’s ambition of EPC C by 2035, compared with
just 14% in 2010.
Offshore Wind: East of England
(Witham) (Con)
17. Whether she is taking steps to support the development of an
offshore grid for wind farm energy in the east of England.
(900347)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
Grid reinforcement is critical to delivering our world leading
offshore wind targets. The electricity system operator is
responsible for designing a modern grid that uses a mix of
upgraded existing lines, offshore transmission networks and new
underground and overhead lines to bring this low-cost, homegrown
generation to consumers.
My constituents are angry about the ill-thought-out proposal by
National Grid to impose 100 miles of pylons and overhead
powerlines between Norwich and Tilbury. Will the Minister share
with me, the House and my constituents what work he is doing to
ensure that the Government do all they can to encourage National
Grid and developers to build an offshore grid that will provide
more investment and growth in renewables, and pull the plug on
these awful pylons?
As my right hon. Friend knows, I visited East Anglia a few months
ago and I plan to visit again. I hear the frustration and the
concerns of her constituents, which she has brought to the House
today. As she knows, the ESO remains responsible for electricity
network design. Offshore routing is more expensive and the costs
would be borne by consumers across the country. However, we will
continue to engage with the ESO as it develops proposals that
strike the balance of offshore and onshore infrastructure.
Mr Speaker
I call the spokesperson for the Scottish National party, who must
have a great connection with the east of England.
(Angus) (SNP)
It comes as a great relief that the Minister is listening,
certainly to my constituents and his own. There are extraordinary
levels of cheap green Scottish renewable energy transmitted to
large consumers in industrial bases in the south by the network.
This north-south transaction should rightly be done by subsea
transmission cables, negating the need for onshore pylons and
their attendant visual blight, environmental degradation, loss of
productive farmland, costly compulsory purchase and wayleave
charges. Why are Angus and other Scottish communities now
threatened with a new 400 kV pylon line, instead of transmitting
that energy south using subsea methods?
Mr Speaker
I think there would have been better questions. Time is a bit
tight, but please answer the question, Minister.
The hon. Gentleman should probably direct that question to my
Scottish Government counterparts, who are in the same party as
him. He wants to ride roughshod over the Scottish planning system
to allow for a faster deployment of this new energy
infrastructure across Scotland, including in his and my own
constituencies. The Scottish Government have control over
planning, the ESO have control over developing those plans
and—
Mr Speaker
Order. Let us come to topical questions.
Topical Questions
(Stoke-on-Trent South)
(Con)
T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental
responsibilities.(900357)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
Since my last appearance at departmental questions in September,
we have shown that Britain remains open for business. Through our
announcement on AR6, we have taken the next steps towards 50 GW
of offshore wind energy. We have announced £960 million of
investment in advanced manufacturing for key net zero sectors,
including offshore wind networks, carbon capture, usage and
storage, hydrogen and nuclear. We have set out the most radical
plans to update the grid since the 1950s. I have signed a
memorandum of understanding with South Korea to ensure closer
co-operation on nuclear and offshore wind, bringing in £10
billion as well.
Given the success of exempting the ceramics sector from the
climate change levy, and the risks of carbon leakage from
offshoring the industry, will my right hon. Friend seriously
consider exempting the ceramics sector from the emissions trading
scheme?
I know that my hon. Friend is a long-standing champion of the
ceramics sector. The sector receives free allocations under the
ETS, reducing carbon price exposure and mitigating its risk of
carbon leakage. The Government are reviewing the free allocations
policy and will consult this year to ensure that we effectively
support at-risk industries.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Secretary of State.
(Doncaster North) (Lab)
The world sorely needs leadership at COP28, but the verdict of
our most globally respected climate expert, Lord Stern, earlier
this month was damning. He said that the Government’s backsliding
on climate action is a “deeply damaging mistake”—damaging for the
UK, the world and the future of us all. Will the Secretary of
State take this opportunity to place on record her response to
Lord Stern?
The right hon. Gentleman should understand that we have the most
ambitious climate target of any of our international peers. If he
looks at the delivery today, he will see that we overshot on
carbon budgets 1 and 2, and we are on track to overshoot on
carbon budget 3. In fact, the UN gap report showed just last week
that between 2015 and 2030 the UK is expected to reduce emissions
at the fastest rate of any of the G20 countries.
The Secretary of State has no response to Lord Stern. The problem
is that he sees a Government preaching one thing and doing
another. Her negotiators at COP will argue to phase out fossil
fuels, but she wants to drill every last drop at home and open
new coalmines. She will tell developing countries that climate
action is good for the economy, but the Government use climate
delay to divide people here at home. Does she not realise that
climate hypocrisy just trashes our reputation and undermines our
leadership?
I completely reject that characterisation. At COP28, we will be
talking about the UK’s leadership when it comes to cutting
emissions. We had cut emissions more than any of our
international peers by 1990. Even if we look forward to our
targets for 2030, we see that we will still be cutting emissions
by more than any of our international peers. That is something
that the right hon. Gentleman would do well to welcome.
(North East Bedfordshire)
(Con)
T2. Paragraph 3.10.14 of the National Policy Framework Statement
EN-3 states that new solar farms should avoid the use of “‘best
and most versatile’ agricultural land where possible”,using the
designations of the agricultural land classifications. But there
are concerns that field surveys can artificially downgrade land.
Will my right hon. Friend say that both she and the planning
inspectorate will be vigilant in protecting best and most
versatile land and in ensuring the integrity of land
classification?(900358)
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
I thank my hon. Friend for all his work championing both this
area and the concerns of his constituents. As he rightly says,
planning policy and guidance encourage large solar projects to
locate on previously developed or lower value land and we will
indeed undertake to be vigilant in ensuring that those principles
are respected.
(Slough) (Lab)
T4. Given the UK’s decline under this Government to seventh place
behind the US and Germany in attracting green investment as per
Ernst and Young’s analysis, what urgent steps is the Secretary of
State taking to boost our competitiveness in green
industries?(900360)
The hypocrisy and the ignorance coming from the Labour party is
extraordinary. We have decarbonised more than any major economy
on this earth and we will decarbonise more to 2030, and we are
doing it by unlocking a level of investment into renewable energy
double that we have seen in the United States. So, Labour can
take its selective facts and put them where the sun don’t
shine.
Mr Speaker
I think that we have had a few problems with language already. I
am sure the Minister will think carefully before he answers
again.
(Ynys Môn) (Con)
T5. What plans do the UK Government have to buy the Wylfa site
and associated intellectual property from Horizon to expedite
gigawatt development at Wylfa in my constituency of Ynys Môn?
Will the nuclear roadmap lay out a clear role for large
gigawatt-scale nuclear projects like Wylfa after Sizewell
C?(900361)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
It would not be Energy questions without a question on Wylfa from
my hon. Friend, who is such a champion for that technology and
for her constituency. We all agree that Wylfa is a great
candidate for new nuclear and one of several potential sites that
could host new projects—[Interruption.] Ignore the luddites on
the SNP Benches. As a first step towards a new national policy
statement, the Government will consult later this year on a way
forward to determine how new nuclear developments might be
located.
(Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
(SNP)
T6. In energy-rich Scotland, roughly one in three households in
my constituency is living in fuel poverty. A properly designed
social tariff would at least alleviate some of that poverty. Why
have the Government broken their promise of a year ago to consult
on a social tariff?(900362)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State indicated earlier,
a social tariff can mean different things to different people. We
are consulting suppliers and many stakeholders to ensure that
what we are doing is the right thing. We are also looking at
flexibility around the warm home discount.
(Rother Valley)
(Con)
T7. In February, the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero
assured me from the Dispatch Box that a decision on hydrogen
blending was coming soon. Seven months later, in September, the
Department’s consultation again promised that a decision would
come soon. How can our constituents trust that this Government
know what they are doing when they keep dithering over proven
technology that would cut our carbon emissions, our constituents’
energy bills and our dependence on foreign gas
imports?(900363)
The Government aim to reach a strategic policy decision before
the end of the year on whether to support blending of up to 20%
hydrogen by volume into the GB gas distribution networks. We are
building the evidence to determine whether blending offers
strategic and economic value and meets the required safety
standards.
(Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)
T8. On the subject of facts, my hon. Friend the Member for
Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) just said that there are
currently zero planning applications in the pipeline for onshore
wind in England. Can the Minister please confirm whether that is
true?(900364)
As I have said in earlier answers, we are seeking to encourage
more applications. As far as I know, the hon. Member for
Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) may be right, which is exactly
why we are consulting on improving community benefits and have
consulted on changing the planning system.
(Southend West) (Con)
I welcome the fact that the UK is doing more offshore wind than
any other country in Europe, but fishermen in Leigh-on-Sea are
deeply concerned about the effect of expanding offshore on fish
stocks. Can the Minister assure me that renewable power
production on the south Essex coast will also focus on tidal, and
will he join my vision to make Southend pier a shining beacon of
renewables, completely powered by tidal energy?
I share my hon. Friend’s enthusiasm for tidal. We have had a
specific pot in previous rounds of the CfD precisely to develop
that. We are the world leader in deployment and will continue to
be, and I hope that her vision for her local area will be
fulfilled.
(Blaydon) (Lab)
T9. Over the past year, the north-east has seen a dramatic
collapse in the number of homes being upgraded through the
Government’s sustainable warmth and eco schemes. That poor record
is costing households in my constituency dearly. What is the
Minister going to do to put it right?(900365)
I have previously answered questions on that and indicated that
we have committed to making sure that we eradicate fuel poverty
and support all people with their energy bills.
(Bolton West) (Con)
With organisations such as the Dalton Nuclear Institute and the
University of Bolton Institute for Materials Research and
Innovation, combined with the Greater Manchester vision for “Atom
Valley”, will my hon. Friend update the House on the part that it
will play in Britain’s nuclear future?
I thank my hon. Friend for his continued support for this growing
and important sector. Alongside the work of the nuclear skills
taskforce, we are currently in phase B of our advanced modular
reactor research, development and demonstration programme. We aim
to demonstrate that technology by the 2030s to decarbonise
industry and we welcome his support in that work.
(North Tyneside) (Lab)
As part of the recent floating offshore wind manufacturing
investment scheme, ambitious and comprehensive bids for funding
to support developments by three major industry players on the
Tyne were unsuccessful. Will the Minister meet me and those key
Tyne businesses to discuss what further opportunities the
Department can bring to mobilise the high-quality assets of our
great river?
The Government are collaborating with industry to identify
solutions to unblock barriers to offshore wind deployment. I know
that the UK Infrastructure Bank is providing support to the Port
of Tyne. The FLOWMIS project is currently live, so I cannot
comment on it, but I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to
discuss these issues.
Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con)
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made a lot of
progress in trying to bring together a holistic network, but it
is too late for communities in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex. In
that regard, will she request that the electricity system
operator publishes its survey of the Bradwell site, and that it
undertakes a fresh one, with a full cost-benefit analysis, as a
pilot for future connections?
As my right hon. Friend knows, the ESO has conducted an
investigation into Bradwell and its suitability, but I am happy
to meet her again to discuss Bradwell, the location of future
projects, and how we might work together to ensure that her
constituents see the benefits of any future energy infrastructure
built in that part of the country.
(Brighton, Pavilion)
(Green)
It now seems clear that the funds that the Government plan to
commit to loss and damage at COP28 will come from the UK’s
existing climate finance commitments. We cannot tackle the
climate crisis by robbing Peter to pay Paul. Given that a
properly resourced and operational loss and damage finance fund
has to be a litmus test of success, will the Minister commit to
looking at new and additional forms of funding, including a
permanent windfall tax on fossil fuel companies and a tax on
high-emission travel, to deliver new finance and make polluters
pay?
The hon. Lady is right to highlight loss and damage as we
approach COP28. We were pleased to play our part on the
transitional committee in getting a recommendation to COP, and we
look forward to its being operationalised in the near future. I
agree with her that, if we are to get the scale of finance that
is required, particularly for the most vulnerable countries at
the front end, we need to look at innovative ways of adding to
that finance.
(Rutland and Melton)
(Con)
Wind energy projects have a standard compensation scheme for all
local communities, but solar projects do not. Industry will not
act, so I urge my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to
bring in a standard measure for all solar projects to bring
fairness to clean energy in our communities.
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and for pursuing this
matter assiduously; we have met and discussed it, among other
issues. I think both industry and communities would appreciate
greater clarity about community benefits, and I look forward to
discussing that with her further.
(Bradford East) (Lab)
One in four households in my constituency is now living in fuel
poverty, compared with the national average of one in 10. Why do
the Government continue to give millions to gas and oil giants,
which enjoy billions in bumper profits, while our constituents
continue to be dragged into poverty?
Regrettably, the content of so many Opposition Members’ questions
this morning is absolutely not in line with reality. Oil and gas
production in the UK not only typically has lower emissions than
the alternative of imports, but supports 200,000 jobs, all of
which would be at risk if the Labour party came to power. To
answer the hon. Gentleman’s specific question, it is expected to
raise £50 billion of tax over the next five years, all of
which—including the safety of his constituents—would be at risk
if Labour ever came to power.
(Copeland) (Con)
Do my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the Minister
for Nuclear and Networks, my hon. Friend the Member for West
Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (), agree that the very best
location for two 470 MW Rolls-Royce small modular reactors is
next to Sellafield, which will use some of the power and is a
centre of nuclear excellence?
My hon. Friend is another great champion for nuclear. It gave me
great pleasure to visit her constituency just a few weeks ago to
see the great work being done at Sellafield. As we have set out,
we aim to deploy up to 24 GW of nuclear energy by 2050, and we
remain open to all available technologies that will deliver it.
We are developing a new national policy statement that will
provide the planning framework for new nuclear power beyond 2025.
We are consulting on a proposed way forward for determining how
new nuclear developments might be located.
Mr Speaker
Including in Lancashire.
(East Antrim) (DUP)
This year, receipts from the emissions trading scheme will reach
a new peak of £6.2 billion. The effects of attacks on
energy-intensive industries are felt by workers in the aluminium
and steel industries, and this week by workers at Grangemouth,
where one of our few remaining oil refineries is going to close.
Despite what the Minister said earlier, is it not a fact that,
rather than helping energy-intensive industries, net zero
policies are destroying them and sending them overseas?
The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that the EU has already
legislated for a carbon border adjustment mechanism. Following
our hosting of COP26, 90% of global wealth was covered by net
zero pledges. At the beginning of that conference, the figure was
just 30%. The right hon. Gentleman may not see it, but this is
the direction the world is going in, and if he wants to
future-proof British jobs he will get with the decarbonisation
programme. Opposing it is to oppose the interests of his
constituents and the sustainability of their of their jobs.
(Hyndburn) (Con)
Melton CLP has of the biggest sites in Hyndburn and Haslingden.
The renewables obligation certificate is due to end in 2027, and
certainty is needed on whether the scheme will be extended or
another scheme will take its place. Will the Minister give us
some assurances as to what comes next?
Mindful of how loquacious I am, I simply say to my hon. Friend
that I will meet her to discuss the matter.
(Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD)
Over the space of a year, living in a cold home cost 21 of my
constituents their lives. One reason behind that tragic figure is
that homes in rural communities are more difficult to insulate.
On that basis, will the Minister urgently review the ECO4 and
ECO+ guidelines to prioritise the hardest properties to insulate
so that we cut bills and save lives?
Of course it is always a tragedy to hear such figures. I have
regular meetings with the hon. Gentleman and I will have a
meeting to discuss this issue further, because this Government
are committed to supporting all vulnerable people, including all
those who have disabilities and additional needs.
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