Ministers urged to act as households in Great Britain face energy bill anxiety'

Millions of households in Great Britain face energy cost anxiety as gas and electricity prices are forecast to rise to nearly 1,900 from this summer. The typical dual-fuel bill is expected to climb by nearly 13% under the government’s energy price cap, adding about 209 per year. Higher bills are expected to persist through summer and into early winter because the gas market price doubled earlier this year after the Iran war. Even if tensions ease, the quarterly price cap is likely to remain above pre-crisis levels. Ministers have announced cost-of-living measures that do not yet include domestic energy support, while contingency plans are being prepared for winter. Campaigners criticize the lack of action on energy bills.

"Millions of households in Great Britain face energy cost anxiety as gas and electricity costs are forecast to rise to almost 1,900 from this summer. The typical dual-fuel bill is expected to climb by nearly 13% under the government's energy price cap, adding 209 a year to household costs, in a blow to families already hit by rising prices for essentials."

"Higher energy bills are expected to weigh on households through the summer months after the Iran war caused the UK's gas market price to double earlier this year, according to market experts at the consultancy Cornwall Insight. They warned that the quarterly price cap is likely to remain above pre-crisis levels into early winter even if tensions ease, leaving households exposed to elevated costs as demand for heating rises in colder months."

"Craig Lowrey, the principal consultant at Cornwall, said that unless the price cap drops in the autumn, the government will need to think seriously about targeted support for the most vulnerable. Rachel Reeves last week announced a package of measures to cut the cost of living but has not so far offered support for domestic energy costs."

"Instead the chancellor announced what the Treasury is calling Great British summer savings by reducing VAT on tickets for attractions and children's meals. The savings will come into effect a few days before the energy price rise, to coincide with the start of the summer holiday season. Campaigners expressed disappointment that she had not taken action on energy bills."

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