Rachel Reeves to set out principles on who might get energy bills support
rachel reeves will tell MPs the principles that will guide any future household energy-bill support in a Commons statement later, focusing on who might get help and who likely would not. She will also update parliament on how the Iran war is affecting the domestic economy and set out steps on energy security including new nuclear. The chancellor will outline an anti‑profiteering framework and stress the limits on what whitehall can afford while the energy price cap remains in place.
Rachel Reeves: principles and limits
The address will combine three clear elements: a short update on the economic impact of the Middle East situation, a section on energy security with a pledge to press ahead on new nuclear power stations, and an outline of what will determine any further household support. rachel reeves will tell MPs she believes it would be neither fair nor affordable to offer help to every household if bills spiral, and that ministers must target support where it is most necessary. The legislation to enable new nuclear projects is expected to be set out in the King’s Speech in May, and ministers plan to accelerate renewable measures alongside nuclear delivery.
Anti‑profiteering, regulator powers and market rules
rachel reeves will set out what is described as a new anti‑profiteering framework that could give the Competition and Markets Authority time‑limited, targeted powers to act where firms are proved to be exploiting price rises. The chancellor will emphasise that the government will seek tools to root out unjustified price gouging at pumps and tills, while stressing the international nature of gas and oil markets. Energy policy will include moves to diversify the mix and to explore government-backed indemnities for critical energy-security projects so construction can continue if legally challenged.
Immediate reactions
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, speaking to colleagues, said: “Anyone who tells you that new licences in the North Sea will make any difference to price is not telling you the truth. Because gas is bought and sold on the international market and the price is set there. ” Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, has warned that any support will be narrower than the universal interventions seen in past crises, saying the UK will not be “dragged into” the conflict and that officials must weigh what is feasible for the public finances.
Quick context
Universal support was provided during the earlier energy crisis and followed vast interventions during the pandemic, both of which have added pressure to public finances. The current energy price cap remains in place until the end of June, giving ministers a window to design targeted measures.
What’s next
Parliament will hear rachel reeves set the principles that will shape any targeted help and the conditions that would trigger further assistance. Ministers will now begin contingency planning on who qualifies for support, how anti‑profiteering powers would be deployed, and how to speed up nuclear and renewables delivery while assessing affordability and need across households.
