Why are energy bills going up?
Energy bills go up by record amounts from April. Why is this happening? How has the Government responded?
By: Age UK
Published on 03 February 2022 12:30 PM
OFGEM ANNOUNCE ENERGY PRICE CAP WILL INCREASE BY 54% FROM APRIL 2022
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: "On behalf of older people on low and modest incomes we are bitterly disappointed by what we have heard today. With average energy bills now set to rise by a whopping £693 per year - and almost certain to increase further in a few months' time - the support the Chancellor has announced simply does not go far enough. It will still leave many of these pensioners facing energy costs surging by an extra several hundred pounds that they cannot afford to pay. What does the Government expect them to do? Forgo their heating, ration their food or go into debt? These are the only choices that millions of the less fortunate will face, if they have no savings to draw on or family to help them out.
"Tough and stoical though they typically are, many older people will be badly shaken by the news they are hearing today. There's no doubt it will lead to many more turning their heating down or off altogether, because they will know these price surges and the Chancellor's inadequate response signals a crisis in their personal finances, with no end apparently in sight. The Government must urgently think again and do more to help them."
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Notes to editors:
Age UK is urging older people to call its free national advice line on 0800 169 65 65 before turning the heating down or off, to check they are receiving all the financial support available to them, including key benefits such as Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. In addition, energy suppliers have a duty to offer support if people are struggling with bills or debt, so the Charity is urging people to contact their supplier directly to ask about available support including an affordable repayment plan.
Energy bills go up by record amounts from April. Why is this happening? How has the Government responded?
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