High Energy Costs Means Deciding Between Food or Warmth

HIGH ENERGY COSTS - Michael Clarke, Head of Information Programmes at Turn2us, says:

“For millions of us, the announcement of a higher energy price cap will undoubtedly make people feel uncertain and worried about their finances for the future. At a time when the cost-of-living is soaring, people are already being forced to make impossible choices in order to survive.  

“The cost-of-living crisis isn’t just a temporary problem over the winter. For a long time now, incomes haven’t kept up with increasing costs of essentials in life and so the adequacy of people’s finances must be addressed as a matter of urgency by the government. While we welcome any intervention to reduce the cost of people’s energy bills, including a potential £200 rebate, we want to see the government take more targeted measures to support people on the lowest incomes.

“We urge the government to reassess the accessibility of the Warm Home Discount, look at what more it can do to provide people with crisis support through local councils and in the longer-term, review benefit levels and set them based on the true cost-of-living. It’s time to make sure everyone receives enough financial support to afford the essentials in life.”

The Turn2us website (www.turn2us.org.uk) includes a Benefits Calculator to find out what welfare benefits and tax credits people could be entitled to, a Grants Search to find out if people might be eligible for support from over 1,500 charitable funds, and a range of information and resources to help people struggling to get by.    

Action for children responds to chancellor’s measures to tackle rising energy bills

'The help announced for these families today won’t be enough. We’re going to see more children going hungry...'

Imran Hussain, director of policy and campaigns at Action for Children, said: ‘Soaring energy prices are the latest battle for low-income families already locked in a permanent cost of living crisis. We welcome the government is taking action, but the proposals outlined today are poorly targeted.

‘Just over 100 days ago, the families we help lost £1,000 a year in Universal Credit, and will now have nearly £700 a year added to their bills. The help announced for these families today won’t be enough. We’re going to see more children going hungry as parents struggle to make ends meet.

‘The best way to help those most affected such as low-income families with children is through the benefits system, rather than council tax, which is measured on out-of-date property values, not on income.’

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