Andy Burnham has been warned that pensioners will die unless he provides emergency help with soaring fuel bills. The warning comes as a 4% hike to Ofgem’s energy price cap takes effect, and experts warn household bills could soar by almost another £300 from January.
Household bills rise to £1,723
Today, the cost for the average household in England, Scotland and Wales paying by direct debit for gas and electricity reached £1,723. From January 1, the average household could face a bill of £1,999 a year. Campaigners have warned the impact on Britain’s pensioners could be catastrophic as winter approaches and many of the nation's elderly fear a cold snap.
Campaigners urge emergency heat tariff
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition urged ministers to introduce an “emergency heat tariff” which would cap the cost of heating this winter. That came after gas prices rose 27% year-on-year. Simon Francis, coordinator of the coalition, warned that many households across the country were already struggling with fuel poverty, which was “set to soar again”.
He added: “If ministers do nothing, millions will spend this winter in cold, damp homes, unable to cook a hot meal. People will get ill. Some will die. Every one of those avoidable cases will be on this Chancellor’s watch.”
Energy UK calls for targeted support
Energy UK’s deputy director of customer policy Ned Hammond said: “With wholesale gas prices at a three-year high and energy debt predicted to reach £7 billion by the end of 2026, it is clear that urgent action needs to be taken. The Government must provide additional targeted support to households most in need this winter as a stepping stone to implementing an enduring social discount scheme in future years.”
He added: “Alongside this, the Government needs to address how to bring down bills over the longer term. The UK’s continued reliance on international gas markets leaves both households and businesses exposed to global price volatility. We advise anyone struggling with bills to contact their supplier. There is a range of help available and it’s important suppliers understand your circumstances so they can offer support tailored to your needs.”
Triple lock change announcement
It comes just days after the Prime Minister declared he would tear up the vital protection for Britain’s pensioners. Using his conference speech to launch an unprecedented assault on Britain’s retirees, he announced the mechanism – which sees the state pension increase by 2.5%, inflation or earnings – would be changed. Instead, he would establish a National Care Service, which was later confirmed to not be intended to cover the costs of care homes. When challenged on how this would be paid for, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds MP told people: “Don’t worry, I’m the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, we’ll do all the sums and it will all work out.”
The Government has supported its decision to axe the triple lock, saying that the new National Care Service will make up for the shortfall facing pensioners.
