Consultation outcome

Information sharing for public service delivery: government response

Updated 3 July 2026

Expanding the information sharing powers in Part 5 (chapter one) of the Digital Economy Act 2017 to reduce fuel poverty.

Ministerial Foreword

This government has set a clear and ambitious vision to strengthen data sharing across the UK, ensuring that public services are faster, more effective, and able to support those most in need.

By harnessing the full potential of data, we can remove unnecessary bureaucracy, strengthen coordination and deliver high quality public services for the United Kingdom. This vision will help build a more responsive, efficient and compassionate system that delivers real benefits to people’s lives.

This consultation sought views on a proposal to amend section 36 of the Digital Economy Act 2017 (DEA), which provides a power for certain public authorities to disclose information to energy suppliers for the purpose of assisting individuals and households living in fuel poverty. The proposed amendment would broaden this power to unlock information sharing for the delivery of Ofgem energy debt support schemes.

The consultation responses received indicated strong support for this proposal. Respondents recognised the value of more effective data sharing in strengthening the delivery of energy support, noting that amending section 36 will enable more targeted and timely assistance for those most in need, improving the identification of eligible households and supporting the effective delivery of a debt relief scheme.

Furthermore, the proposal represents an important step forward in making better use of data to support individuals and families, demonstrating how proportionate and responsible data sharing can deliver targeted support and alleviate hardship.

As Minister of State for Digital Government and Data, I am pleased to publish the government’s response to this consultation, alongside draft regulations to give effect to these proposals. This marks an important step in delivering our vision for smarter, more connected public services that improve outcomes for citizens across the UK.

Ian Murray
Minister of State for Government Digital and Data at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Executive summary

1. On 29 July 2025, the government consulted on 2 information sharing proposals for secondary legislation under the DEA. These were:

• Part 1: a new passported benefits objective, which proposed changes to improve the targeting and delivery of education-related benefits for low-income households; and
• Part 2: an amendment to the fuel poverty power, which proposed changes to expand information sharing for the delivery of energy debt support.
  
  This government response addresses and sets out next steps for Part 2 only. The consultation outcome related to Part 1 will be published later in the year, following further consideration.

2. The fuel poverty proposal would amend the fuel poverty power in section 36 of the DEA to expand information sharing and enable the delivery of a debt relief scheme.

3. The consultation closed on 23 September 2025 and collated feedback from the public, interested bodies and non-profit organisations.

4. A total of 42 responses were received from a mix of individuals and organisations. Respondents were supportive of the proposed legislative change and recognised its potential to improve public service delivery. They highlighted the role of improved data sharing in enhancing the reach and effectiveness of targeted energy support, while emphasising the need for robust data protection and privacy safeguards. The government endorses this approach, with trust, transparency and accountability at its core. Responses demonstrated clear support for proportionate and lawful data sharing to reduce hardship and address energy debt. Amending section 36 will enable more targeted and timely assistance, helping to ensure that eligible households are identified and that those most in need receive assistance to manage unsustainable energy debt.

5. The government will take forward the legislation outlined in paragraph 1(b) above when Parliamentary time allows.

Introduction

6. Part 5, Chapter 1 of the DEA sets out a legal framework that enables information sharing between certain public authorities and gas and electricity suppliers. This framework was designed to support individuals and households experiencing fuel poverty by facilitating the provision of financial assistance and other targeted support. Within this framework, section 36 provides the legal gateway that allows public authorities identified in Schedule 5 (“specified public authorities”) to disclose relevant information to energy suppliers for the purpose of assisting people living in fuel poverty by reducing their energy costs, improving efficiency in their use of energy or improving their health or financial well-being.

7. However, restrictions in section 36 limit the scope of this information sharing gateway, meaning it cannot be used for all forms of energy support. In particular, schemes focused on addressing energy debt fall outside the current scope of the fuel poverty power.

8. The proposed legislation will widen the scope of section 36 to permit disclosure by specified public authorities to energy suppliers to support the delivery of a broader range of support schemes for energy consumers, including a debt relief scheme . 

Summary of responses

9. A total of 42 responses were received for Part 2: the amendment to the fuel poverty power. Of these, just over a third (36%) were submitted by individuals while the remaining 64% were from organisational bodies. A breakdown of the type of organisations that responded include;

• 37% were charities/non-profit organisations
• 30% were local government bodies
• 23% were energy/utility companies
• 7% were civil society
• 4% other

Responses to the consultation questions

Question 1: To what extent do you consider that the proposed amendment will support the delivery of a Debt Relief Scheme for individuals and/or households?

10. This question sought views on the extent to which respondents considered that the proposed amendment to section 36 of the DEA would support the effective delivery of a debt relief scheme for individuals and households.

11. A significant majority of respondents (98%) strongly agreed or agreed that the proposed amendment would support the delivery of a debt relief scheme for individuals and households. Around 2% of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed.

12. The majority of respondents emphasised that the proposed amendment would enable vital data sharing, improving any such scheme’s reach and impact while reducing bureaucracy and administrative burdens. They also highlighted its potential to be transformative for households with energy debt and living in fuel poverty.

13. A small minority of respondents raised that existing data sharing gateways are available and as such data could be shared without the need to create new regulations.

Government response

14. The government welcomes that the majority of respondents believe the proposed amendment will strengthen the delivery of a debt relief scheme for individuals and households by enabling information sharing to improve its effectiveness.

15. On existing data sharing gateways, the government’s assessment is that there are currently no powers that permit information sharing for the delivery of a debt relief scheme. In particular, section 36 of the DEA permits information sharing for specific schemes expressly set out in the legislation only. This restriction means that information cannot be shared to support energy support initiatives that are not named within those provisions. Schemes to deliver debt relief support fall outside this scope and as a result cannot be delivered using the DEA fuel poverty power.

16. The proposal outlined in the consultation would address this by amending the DEA to permit specified public authorities to disclose information to energy suppliers to support individuals and households in energy debt (provided respective requirements are met), enabling the data sharing necessary to ensure that targeted support can reach eligible vulnerable households with energy debt.

Question 2: Do you believe that the proposed amendment will alleviate financial hardship for individuals that have energy bill debt?

17. This question invited views on whether the proposed amendment to section 36 of the DEA would contribute to alleviating financial hardship for individuals and households with energy debt.

18. A substantial majority of respondents (98%) indicated that they believe the amendment would contribute to alleviating financial hardship for affected individuals and households. Respondents observed that enabling the proposed change would allow eligible individuals to retain more of their income to meet essential living costs rather than allocating it to repaying accumulated energy debt. Several respondents also noted that the effectiveness of the amendment, and of a debt relief scheme more broadly, could be assessed following implementation.

19. A small proportion (2%) stated that they did not believe the amendment would alleviate financial hardship, although no additional comments were provided to explain this view.

Government response

20. The government notes the strong support expressed by respondents and is satisfied that the proposed amendment is expected to ease financial pressures faced by eligible low-income individuals who hold energy debt.

21. On effectiveness, the government routinely reviews the use of the DEA information sharing powers in Part 5, Chapter 1 to evaluate how the provisions are being utilised and the level of support being delivered to individuals and households. This review process covers all relevant powers, including those relating to fuel poverty and the amended fuel poverty power, if approved by Parliament, will fall within the scope of the 2026–27 review.

Question 3: Do you think the proposed amendment for the Debt Relief Scheme will have an impact on people who share any of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

22. This question intended to assess whether the proposed amendment could have differential impacts on individuals with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Protected characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

23. 55% of respondents indicated that they did not believe the proposed amendment would have an impact on people with protected characteristics. By contrast, 45% considered that it would have an impact, either positive or negative. The question invited respondents to consider both positive and negative impacts.

24. Those who anticipated a positive impact highlighted that the amendment could particularly benefit older people, disabled people, single parents (predominantly women), people with mental health conditions, and some ethnic minority households. Several respondents suggested that the amendment may help reduce inequalities and promote greater financial and digital inclusion for these groups. Some organisations also observed that individuals with multiple protected characteristics face a higher risk of poverty and related hardship and therefore considered that the amendment would provide meaningful and more support to these groups.

25. Respondents also expressed concerns about potential eligibility gaps and this being discriminatory in nature. In particular, there was a view that working households experiencing significant financial hardship, but not currently qualifying for means-tested benefits, could fall outside the scope of support. Ensuring these groups are included was seen as important to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities. In tandem, there was a concern that discrimination would occur by un-inclusive communications and non-accessible outreach.

Government response

26. The government recognises the importance of ensuring that any debt relief scheme is inclusive and does not inadvertently disadvantage individuals with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. We welcome the feedback highlighting the potential positive impact of the amendment on older people, disabled people, single parents, people with mental health conditions, and ethnic minority households. These insights demonstrate strong public support for reducing inequalities and promoting financial and digital inclusion, priorities to which the government remains firmly committed.

27. To address concerns about eligibility gaps and any potential discrimination, particularly in relation to working households experiencing financial hardship but not qualifying for means-tested benefits, the government is separately considering broader eligibility around energy support beyond the scope of energy debt relief. We are committed to exploring options to ensure that support reaches those most in need. We have noted the concerns raised about inaccessible communications and potential discriminatory impacts on self-enrolment and will consider this in policy design.

Question 4 - Do you have any further comments?

28. The final consultation question asked respondents to share any additional views on the proposed amendment to section 36 of the DEA. The comments received have been grouped into key themes to reflect the main areas of feedback.

Overall support

29. A significant majority of respondents expressed support for the proposed amendment and a debt relief scheme. Many considered these measures to represent an important step towards addressing energy debt and improving the support available to vulnerable households. Respondents emphasised that the amendment would help enable a fairer, more compassionate and more effective approach to tackling energy debt.

Holistic approach

30. Several respondents encouraged the government to consider energy debt within the broader context of affordability and the overall support available to households. They emphasised the importance of adopting a holistic and strategic approach that addresses the underlying causes of energy debt and provides sustainable support for low-income households and individuals. Respondents also highlighted the need to ensure that this support extends beyond those eligible for means-tested benefits, reaching all those at risk of financial hardship. To achieve this, a number of respondents suggested integrating other benefits and forms of assistance to create a more coordinated and effective system of support.

Expanded data sharing

31. Some respondents highlighted the need to strengthen the strategic role of data sharing to improve the effectiveness of government support. They emphasised the value of enabling greater data sharing across the public sector to enhance coordination and deliver targeted assistance.

Territorial extent

32. A small number of respondents emphasised the importance of ensuring that the proposed amendment operates effectively and fairly across the United Kingdom, including in devolved contexts. More broadly, respondents highlighted the need for clear governance arrangements and robust safeguards to support effective, responsible and safe information sharing with devolved governments.

Government response

33. The government welcomes the strong support expressed for the proposed amendment to section 36 of the DEA and a debt relief scheme. The views shared highlight the importance of ensuring that any debt relief scheme delivers meaningful and effective support to households facing energy debt.

34. The government notes the emphasis placed by respondents on taking a more holistic approach to energy affordability. It recognises the importance of aligning a debt relief scheme with wider support for low-income households, including those not eligible for means-tested benefits, to help address the underlying causes of energy debt. The government will continue to explore ways to strengthen the overall support framework for households facing financial hardship, including opportunities to improve coordination and deliver more joined-up services across the system.

35. Furthermore, acknowledging the views shared on the wider role of data sharing in enhancing public services and support, the government will continue to consider how best to enable more coordinated, targeted assistance, while ensuring that strong data protection and privacy safeguards remain in place.

36. Finally, the government acknowledges comments on the importance of effective governance and engagement with devolved administrations. Section 36 of the DEA applies to England, Wales and Scotland only, and does not extend to Northern Ireland. Information sharing under the amended provisions will therefore operate within this scope, with appropriate safeguards and engagement in place to support effective and trusted delivery of energy debt relief in England, Wales and Scotland.

Data protection and privacy

37. Throughout the consultation, respondents consistently raised the importance of robust data protection and privacy safeguards. This theme was highlighted in response to multiple questions.

38. Respondents reiterated that any data shared under the amended section 36 power for the purposes of delivering a debt relief scheme must comply with UK GDPR and data protection legislation. They also reinforced the need for clear governance, transparency, and strong privacy protections to ensure that individuals’ data is handled securely.

Government response

39. Any disclosure of personal data pursuant to the new statutory objective will be subject to, and must comply with, data protection law, in accordance with section 40(8)(a) of the DEA and section 183A of the Data Protection Act 2018.

40. The government remains firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of data protection and privacy. It recognises the importance of ensuring that any data sharing under the DEA powers is subject to strict safeguards and in compliance with data protection legislation. All information shared under the amended section 36 power will comply with relevant data protection requirements to ensure individuals’ privacy and security are protected. The underpinning Code of Practice sets out the principles and guidance governing the use and disclosure of information under DEA powers, including compliance with data protection obligations. In this, it requires that before any data is shared, parties involved must complete a data protection impact assessment, business case, security plan and information sharing agreement.

41. Furthermore, all information shared under the amended fuel poverty power will be recorded in the publicly available register of information sharing agreements.

Next steps

42. The government will take forward draft regulations (Annex A) for Parliamentary approval and intends to lay them on 22 June 2026. As per the consultation, the regulations will amend the fuel poverty power in section 36 of the DEA to support a debt relief scheme which aims to help households facing energy debt.