Ministers have committed to assisting households struggling with their gas and electricity bills this winter, following warnings from energy industry bosses that consumer debt has exceeded £3 billion. In a meeting with energy industry leaders, consumer groups, charities, and the regulator, ministers discussed ways to support vulnerable households through the colder months.
Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh emphasized the government’s determination to protect vulnerable families and announced plans to implement winter support this October. The urgent need to address the record high level of consumer energy bill debts was acknowledged by all parties involved. Suggestions for doubling support through the warm home discount scheme and shifting green levies onto general taxation were considered.
With the average dual-fuel energy bill set to increase by 10% from October, discussions also touched upon the possibility of introducing a discounted “social tariff” for gas and electricity to make energy bills more affordable for low-income households. Furthermore, plans for a national campaign to raise awareness of existing support for billpayers are in the works, set to be finalized before the October budget.
Ministers are facing criticism for cutting winter fuel payments for wealthier pensioners to address public finance deficits left by the previous government. Despite a lack of concrete plans emerging from the meeting, there is a strong political will to address the rising issue of energy debt and provide necessary support to households at risk. The government expects energy suppliers to actively communicate support options to consumers and ensure they have the assistance needed to avoid falling into debt.
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