To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps the Government plans to take to assist vulnerable groups affected by energy price increases. (178469)

The Government have a package of measures in place to support vulnerable households to keep their homes warm. We have announced that spend on energy efficiency measures for those on low incomes for the period 2008-11 will be in excess of £2.3 billion. This is in addition to the winter fuel payments, payable to all pensioners, which will continue for the lifetime of this Parliament.

In addition, energy companies have recently increased the level of support they provide to vulnerable customers as a result of Government pressure. The level of support available this winter is now close to £60 million.