Further to WQ94453, will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on any progress made towards developing a permanent and effective form of protection for households in need following discussions with the Minister for Energy Consumers?
My officials are engaging with colleagues in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to discuss a range of options, such as a social tariff and social discounting.
We have shared our review of standing charges with UK Government officials to inform their thinking on next steps for standing charges, recognising the disproportionate impact of high standing charges in Wales.
We are working directly with energy suppliers to make sure they are doing all they can to support vulnerable customers. We have also shared with the Minister for Energy and Consumers the Bevan Foundation’s report which describes suppliers’ role in supporting vulnerable consumers.