MPs gather in the Commons to pay tribute
(Picture: PA)The national mourning period for the Queen will not delay the introduction of the Government’s emergency energy bills support package, Downing Street said on Friday.
Prime Minister Liz Truss announced the massive state intervention which will keep the annual typical household energy bill at no more than £2,500 for two years on Thursday - just hours before Buckingham Palace confirmed the passing of the monarch.
Although Parliament is set to be suspended from Saturday for the duration of the 10 day mourning period, No10 said the bailout - which could cost around £150billion - would be introduced as planned from October 1.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “The public should be reassured that the energy price guarantee will be in place for households from October as planned.
“We’re implementing that guarantee initially through private contracts with suppliers rather than through legislation.
“So this morning period doesn’t impact on that introduction. We’re working urgently now on the wider aspects of the policy and to ensure it can be delivered.
“As as it stands, we do not believe that the mourning period will impact on the delivery of the policy, nor do we think requires any sort of legislative moments during the mourning period.”
The energy price guarantee will supercede the Ofgem energy price cap which was due to soar from £1,971 to £3,54 next month.
It will save the average household £1,000 a year, according to the Government. Together with a £400 discount previously announced by former chancellor Rishi Sunak, it means millions of households will be paying around £2,100 a year.
No 10 added that the Government may provide further details for households and businesses on the support plan before the end of the morning period, which is due to end after the Queen’s state funeral.
However the spokesman also confirmed that some details, such as the latest assessment of the scientific impact of fracking which will pave the way for the lifting of the 2019 ban on the procedure, may be delayed until after the period ends.
