“Given the scale of the challenge faced by the Government to try and rebalance the books, whilst also supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in society through the cost-of-living crisis, the pressure was on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to deliver for the country.
“More targeted financial support for low-income households is something we have advocated for a while as these are the people who have been most severely impacted by the rising cost-of-living. We therefore welcome the measures announced by the Chancellor to continue providing support to those on Universal Credit, pensioners and those on disability benefits. People who live off the gas grid and rely on unregulated fuels, such as heating oil, will see their payments increase from £100 to £200 – another welcome measure given the current price of heating oil i.e. £1,000 for 1,000 litres.
“We would, however, like to have seen the financial support package extended to also include low-income households that are not on means tested benefits. With the Energy Price Guarantee threshold increasing from £2,500 to £3,000 from April next year, coupled with the removal of the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme, millions more could be exposed to unaffordable energy bills. Without support from the Government they could find themselves joining millions of others who are in fuel crisis, unable to pay to heat and power their homes.
