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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Pass a law that prevents the use of standing charges by utility companies

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Utility companies are allowed to impose standing charges on customers. These charges are regressive and affect customers who use less energy disproportionally. We believe these charges are unethical, and should be banned.

When imposing a tax on society the Government rightly considers whether a tax is regressive. Absolute fairness is difficult to achieve but generally the tax system is based around equity where possible. This regard to fairness should apply to standing charges.

The Government, through Parliament, legislate in many areas to ensure that companies attain standards which are held to be acceptable. For example, in regard to public health or safety. We believe action is needed to abolish standing charges.

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  • Related activity

    Government responds to petition on standing charges on energy bills

    The Government has responded to a public (paper) petition calling on the Government to consider abolishing standing charges, in order to alleviate the financial pressure upon households in the cost of living crisis, and to encourage responsible energy use. The petition was presented to the House of Commons by Martyn Day MP on behalf of residents of the constituency of Linlithgow and East Falkirk.

    In response to the petition, the Government says that it recognises the challenges posed by cost of living pressures and states that Ofgem regulates standing charges for domestic customers. The response goes on to state that in November 2023, Ofgem launched a call for input on how standing charges are applied to energy bills, and what alternatives could be considered. The Government says that Ofgem is currently reviewing responses to the call for input and that further engagement will inform any further policy development.

    The Government's response says

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    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 3 March 2023.