Charities despair at energy move
CASH-STRAPPED families reeling from the cost-of-living crisis were hit by another budget-bashing measure yesterday when the energy support package was ditched.
Millions of UK households now face higher gas and electricity bills after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt cut short the Energy Price Guarantee.
The policy – which would have capped the cost of energy for all households for two years – will now end in April, with targeted help beyond that for those most in need.
Charities and campaigners universally slammed the move.
Anastasia Berry, of the MS Society, said: “The Chancellor’s statement aims at reassuring markets and upholding stability, yet he seems to have little interest in extending this reassurance to disabled people who cannot afford essentials like food and medicine.
“People with MS are being hit especially hard by the cost-of-living crisis, already faced with crushing energy costs, such as charging vital medical equipment or keeping the heating on more to help maintain circulation.”
There were worries for pensioners unable to heat their homes.
Dr Carole Easton, chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “We already have significant concerns [for those] not able to meet rising costs even with the aid of the energy price guarantee. We would like the government to be prepared to step-in and offer more universal support for winter 2023.”
The Chancellor’s move will also add to the worry faced by 6.5 million unpaid carers who look after loved ones who are older, disabled or seriously ill.
Almost a million of these family carers are already being plunged into debt and struggling to afford food and bills during the cost-of-living crisis, warns Carers UK. A survey by the charity of more than 12,400 current unpaid carers found that one in six are now in debt.
Helen Walker, of Carers UK, said: “Unpaid carers are particularly vulnerable to rising costs due to their limited ability to earn an income, and they have extra costs to meet that they cannot cut back on.The Government’s review into energy support must consider unpaid carers and ensure they are protected after April.”