10 March 2008
Recent price rises in the energy market have meant that half a million people have slipped into "fuel poverty", something that will mean the government has to intervene, uSwitch.com has claimed.
Moreover, lower than 400,000 people are currently on the social tariffs offered by the six largest energy firms in the country, it added.
Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com Ann Robinson claimed that the government needs to do more in the attempt to make energy more affordable for consumers.
"Any measures introduced need to be long-term, sustainable and easy for the fuel poor to access. It's also vital that they leave scope for innovation and competition between suppliers too," she commented.
And it should strike a partnership with energy providers in the attempt to improve social tariffs and Winter Fuel Allowance, she added.
Social tariffs are designed to try and aid those who are considered in many cases vulnerable by service providers.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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