8 December 2008
A new fuel poverty strategy is needed to help the growing number of older people that are struggling to heat their homes due to rising energy prices, it has been claimed.
According to Age Concern, the government has gone some way towards tackling the issue of fuel poverty but still has a long way to go.
The charity's Director General Gordon Lishman said: "We are calling for strong and decisive government action to help the poorest pensioners and families who are struggling to afford their bills."
He said the government must follow through on its pledge to intervene if gas and electricity companies do not stop "overcharging" customers.
And he called for the introduction of mandatory social tariffs for vulnerable households to make sure they do not pay more for their energy.
Research from uSwitch.com shows that the average UK household has seen £380 added to their annual energy bill since the beginning to the year.
Consumers eager to cut their energy costs could save by switching to another supplier.