Downing Street has said that "it does not believe" the death of the Queen will not affect plans to freeze energy bills. The confirmation comes after an official period of national mourning began at midnight on Friday, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday afternoon (September 8).
This period of time for reflection arises in response to the demise of the Sovereign, or other member of the Royal Family or a very prominent person in national life. The period of national mourning will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral which could be held on Monday, September 19.
The Royal Family will undertake a separate period of Royal Mourning, subject to the wishes of The King., which will extend for an additional seven days.
READ MORE: Death of Queen Elizabeth II - latest updates as period of mourning to begin
But Downing Street said it does not believe the mourning period for the Queen’s death will affect new Prime Minister Liz Truss’s new policy to prevent energy bills soaring past £2,500. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The public should be reassured that the energy price guarantee will be in place for households from October 1, as planned.
"We’re implementing that guarantee initially through private contracts with suppliers rather than through legislation so this mourning period doesn’t impact that introduction.
"We’re working urgently now on the wider aspects of the policy to ensure it can be delivered. As it stands we do not believe the mourning period would impact on delivery of the policy, neither do we think it requires any sort of legislative moments during the mourning period.
"We will be working with the Speaker to introduce any legislation that is required for as soon as possible after the mourning period concludes."
On Thursday, a day after the Queen appointed her as PM at Balmoral, Ms Truss announced major new plans to tackle soaring energy bills across the UK. She told MPs that domestic bills will be frozen at £2,500 as part of "two year energy price guarantee" to alleviate households' financial struggles during the cost of living crisis.
During her announcement in the House of Commons, Ms Truss also stated that the government will wait until an emergency Budget is set out this month. It means that households will now pay no more than £2,500 a year on their bills for two years starting from October 1. Meanwhile, a similar scheme will be in place for businesses, schools, hospitals, other public organisations and charities. While it will "offer equivalent support", it will only last for six months.
Downing Street has also said the British Geological Survey survey into fracking will not now be published until after the end of the mourning period for the Queen. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: "The fracking survey will not be published during the mourning period." He said it will be published "as soon as that period has concluded".
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