Andrew today put forth a question to the Prime Minister in an exchange on the floor of the House of Commons. Andrew addressed the struggles faced by Romford residents due to skyrocketing energy prices. He questioned the Prime Minister on the responsibility of utility companies to pass on reductions in wholesale prices to consumers and advocates for lower standing charges.
I want the Prime Minister to know that the people of Romford are struggling with ever-increasing energy prices, yet providers are making huge profits that run into the hundreds of millions. Does he agree that reductions in wholesale prices should be passed on to consumers and that standing charges should be brought down? Will the Government hold utility companies to account for their actions?
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the challenge that high energy bills have posed not just to his constituents in Romford but to constituents across the country. That is why we stepped in with a significant package of support that paid around half of a typical household energy bill when prices were at their highest. I know my hon. Friend will join me in welcoming the fact that the energy price cap is set to fall by almost £250 in April, which will bring relief to many families, but we must hold companies to account. That is why we introduced the energy profits levy on the windfall profits caused by an unexpected increase in energy prices. We are going further to cut people’s costs by cutting their taxes and putting more money into their family bank accounts.
The Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak M.P., Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
