The Urgent Need for an Energy Social Tariff in the UK
As the UK prepares for another winter of rising energy bills, a national charity is calling for the introduction of an energy social tariff to help vulnerable households. Independent Age, a charity that supports older people, is urging the next UK government to take action to protect pensioners, disabled individuals, and low-income households from the burden of high energy costs.
The charity’s plea comes on the heels of Ofgem’s recent announcement that energy bills will fall by 7.2% from July, but will still remain 40% higher than pre-gas crisis levels. However, experts warn that energy bills are expected to rise again by 12% in October and next January.
The energy crisis is far from over
Independent Age’s Chief Executive, Joanna Elson, CBE, expressed her concerns about the situation, stating that the recent price cap announcement is not a cause for celebration, as bills are still 50% higher than they were before the energy crisis started in 2021. She highlighted the charity’s helpline, which was flooded with calls from older people worried about their high energy costs last winter.
Older people are worried about their high energy costs
Elson emphasized that many older people were forced to take drastic measures to stay warm, including going to bed in hats and coats, and living in just one room to keep costs down. She warned that history cannot be allowed to repeat itself this winter.
Energy poverty is a harsh reality for many
The introduction of an energy social tariff would be a crucial step in protecting vulnerable households from the burden of high energy costs. It is imperative that the next UK government takes action to address this issue and ensures that no one has to choose between heating and eating this winter.
A call to action for the next UK government
The time to act is now. The UK government must prioritize the introduction of an energy social tariff to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. We cannot afford to wait any longer.
Urgent action is needed to address energy poverty
