Age UK reacts to Ofgem’s energy price cap announcement of 4 per cent rise in energy prices from 1 October to 31 December 2026

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: "Today's news will ring alarm bells for those older people who have repeatedly faced tough choices during the last few years of energy price hikes, and who now have nothing left to cut back on. 

"With energy prices set to rise yet again the Government needs to take decisive action to protect the older people in greatest need. We are calling on Ministers to raise the Warm Home Discount to £200 for this winter, as well as opening up an application route for people of all ages on low incomes to seek this support via their energy supplier. The Government should also top up the Crisis and Resilience Fund so local councils can respond quickly to households who find themselves in financial difficulty in their communities." 

"The Warm Home Discount is crucial in helping older people stay fit and well through the winter cold and it's a good scheme, but it's also important to recognise that it's worth only around half what it was ten years ago. In addition, some older people miss out on it since they're not claiming an eligible benefit, or because they fall just outside the criteria. At Age UK we'd like to see the Warm Home Discount extended to reach more households on low incomes, not only those claiming benefits, and also for it to give more priority to people with additional health needs."

"No older person should have to face another winter fretting over whether they can afford to stay warm - but we know that in light of today's news many now will. The Government must act quickly to put their fears to rest."