Energy bills – the scale of help must match the scale of the crisis
Responding to the new energy price cap*, Citizens Advice is asking the government to recognise its earlier support will no longer be enough**.
The present cap, set by the regulator Ofgem, means a typical annual bill is £1,971. From October it will be £3,549, a rise of 80%.
At local and national level the charity is playing a vital part in helping people manage frightening changes in their finances.
More government help is essential. When the new government takes office we hope it will:
- Accept that the scale of the crisis has grown rapidly and the help must be equal in scale
- Target support to the families who are facing “impossible choices….and need a lifeline”
- Direct Ofgem to stop companies forcing prepayment meters on those who fall into debt.
How we’re helping now.
Our trained advisers are available locally by phone, email, webchat and in person.
For anyone facing financial problems a good place to start is our online Help with the cost of living. Find out what’s available for dealing with energy bills, debt, benefits.
* ‘Lives at risk’ without more help on energy bills BBC News, 26/08/22
** Citizens Advice CEO speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today