Age UK's statement in response 'PM cuts tax on household electricity bills to give breathing space on cost of living'

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: “Any extra help with their energy bills will be welcomed by older people, who we know worry hugely about the cost of fuel and often ration their heating, putting their health at risk, to ensure they can make ends meet. With energy prices volatile due to the ongoing war in the Middle East this cut should at least help soften the impact of any future rise in wholesale prices. However, there’s much more we can and should be doing as a country to make it easier for older people to afford to heat their homes through the winter. 

“Energy support has failed to keep pace with rising energy costs and is insufficient for the scale of the financial challenge that significant numbers of people will face this winter. We believe there are potential solutions that would provide meaningful help for those who need it, for example the Government could increase the value of the Warm Home Discount and widen the eligibility beyond only those in receipt of means-tested benefits to cover households on low incomes. This will help so support can reach older people who are struggling but who currently miss out”