Government must increase bill discount to £1k stop pushing millions of people into financial uncertainty, watchdog says
A consumer watchdog has warned that if the government doesn't increase the energy bill discount it could risk pushing millions of households into financial uncertainty.
Initially, when the government introduced its financial package in May, the energy price cap was predicted to reach around £2,800 in October. However, analysts such as Cornwall Insight predict the average annual energy bill could shoot to £3,554 in October and further increase to £4,650 in January.Despite calls to increase the discount, Which? noted that even a 150 per cent increase would be insufficient to help families on the lowest incomes.
Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: “With energy bill predictions continuing to spiral, the Government must increase the Energy Bills Support Scheme by at least 150%, or risk pushing millions of households into financial distress this winter. While increased support will provide relief for many, it is not a long-term solution.
Labour spokesperson Pat McFadden said: “With each passing day and each new report, the huge scale of the energy price challenge facing households becomes clearer. People will struggle to pay for basic necessities and the Conservatives are scrambling around with no solution in sight.
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