Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:28 pm on 22 January 2026.
Bill Esterson
Chair, Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, Chair, Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
12:28,
22 January 2026
That is a very important question. It was an important part of what we looked at in the first half of the inquiry. Our recommendations on the cold weather payments are relevant to what the hon. Gentleman asks, as are our recommendations on debt for those very many people who, because of the energy crisis, now face debt. We also made recommendations on the warm home discount, including extending it to all on benefits. The Government chose to stay with the current system, but these were very much recommendations that we supported for the reasons that the hon. Gentleman outlined. As I said when finishing my statement, I hope the Government will return some of the recommendations that they have so far not accepted.