New polling has found that reducing household energy costs is the public's leading financial priority for the Chancellor ahead of Wednesday's Budget, with many households worried about further price increases next year.
Research carried out by Survation for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition found that nearly a quarter (23%) of UK adults ranked cutting energy bills as their top priority for Chancellor John Healey, ahead of increasing NHS funding (19%) and keeping taxes down (15%).
Survey Findings
The survey of 1,171 adults, conducted online between October 21 and 22, also found that six in 10 people (60%) included reducing energy costs among their three main priorities for the Budget. This compared with 50 per cent who prioritised additional NHS funding and 42 per cent who wanted the Chancellor to keep taxes down.
The findings come amid continued concerns about household energy costs, with more than two-thirds (67%) of those surveyed worried about paying their gas and electricity bills if prices rise again in the new year. Concern was particularly high among people aged 45 to 54, with eight in 10 (80%) expressing worries about further increases.
Calls for Action
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition is calling for immediate financial support for households this winter alongside longer-term measures to reduce energy costs.
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: "People know this winter will be tough and they want to see the Chancellor act to help them with high energy bills."
"There are a range of options available to the Chancellor, but the reality is that he will have to pull every lever available to the Government to help address voters' concerns."
He highlighted recommendations from the Electricity Bills Taskforce aimed at reducing electricity costs and making alternatives to gas and heating oil more affordable.
Mr Francis added: "While the Chancellor needs to provide more support this winter, he must also take the long view. This includes funding the flagship Warm Homes Plan in full. And it also includes reducing the country's over-reliance on gas."
Long-Term Measures
The coalition argues that reliance on gas leaves households exposed to fluctuations in international energy markets, which can contribute to higher bills.
Rosie Hampton, principal policy advisor at Uplift, also called for measures to reduce the country's dependence on gas and improve the energy efficiency of homes.
She said: "Upgrading to a clean energy system and insulating draughty homes is how we will lower bills, create jobs and have more public control – everything Burnham's promising."
The polling was commissioned ahead of the Chancellor's Budget on October 28, when households will be looking for confirmation of any measures aimed at reducing energy costs and supporting people struggling with their bills.
