Before we heard the sad news regarding the passing of the Queen, the Prime Minister set out in the House of Commons what support Government would be making available to help residents, public service and businesses across Sevenoaks and Swanley following the spike in energy prices.
I welcomed the announced, which saw a new Energy Price Guarantee introduced. This will ensure that a typical household pays an average £2,500 a year for their energy, from 1 October 2022 for the next two years. On average usage, a household will save £1,000 a year and this is in addition to the already announced £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme for households across the UK. The most vulnerable UK households will also continue to receive £1,200 of support.
In my speech to the House of Commons, I also mentioned how I had been pushing for the necessary support to be brought in for businesses and schools, and I am pleased that the Business Secretary has today announced the details of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme – which will provide businesses, charities, schools and hospitals with a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices worth up to half the price of expected energy prices this winter, giving business owners certainty on their bills until the end of March 2023.
I will continue to ensure local businesses concerns are heard in Westminster, and will monitor developments closely.
Finally, I asked in my speech in the House of Commons for the Government to look into energy suppliers being unable to cut supply in the winter months, should customers struggle to pay their bills. A similar scheme is already in place for water supply and I hope to meet with the new energy minister soon to discuss this further.
To watch Laura's speech please visit: https://www.facebook.com/lauratrottmp/videos/910943240094681
