A choice of heating or eating for many

THE removal of the previous cap on energy prices will now trigger the worst impact so far of the cost-of-living crisis.

Through no fault of their own, millions of Britain’s most vulnerable people will be plunged into a financial mire that risks turning their lives into misery.

Despite what some ideologues would argue, governments have a responsibility to look after the best interests of their citizens and to protect them from danger.

Unlike the desperate people of Ukraine, we may not be confronted by a murderous military neighbour. But for those who were already finding it difficult to cope financially, the massive increase in fuel bills will be devastating in another way.

Wales, as the poorest country in the UK, will inevitably be hit disproportionately hard by the rises.

Yet it would be wrong to conclude that only those on benefits or low pay will face difficult challenges.

Many people who have been more comfortably off will also be affected, both by the energy price increases themselves and by other inflationary outcomes that follow.

The UK Government’s refusal to match President Macron’s decision to cap retail power increases at 4% will have a wide-ranging impact on the economy, reducing discretionary spend in the hospitality industry and on luxury goods, for example.

This is likely to have a knock-on effect, resulting in business closures and job losses.

It’s no wonder that the poll ratings of Chancellor Rishi Sunak have taken a battering. His popularity reached a high when he introduced the furlough scheme that enabled many businesses to survive the lockdowns, but his failure to provide anywhere near the level of support required to offset the cost-of-living crisis has robbed him of the lustre he once had.

But for all the debate that can be had about the potential political consequences of what is happening, the focus has to remain on the plight of those who are worst affected.

It cannot be acceptable to force vulnerable people into a situation where they have to make a choice between eating and heating their homes.

Political decisions have to be made that will ease the burden on individuals and families.

Ensuring that huge numbers of people living in our communities are not forced into abject poverty is as important an endeavour as there can be at this time.