Uswitch comments on Government announcements to combat energy price hikes
Richard Neudegg, Head of Regulation at Uswitch.com said: “This combined £350 package appears weighty on the surface but will not provide instant relief to bills come April and still leaves a sharp £343 average energy bill increase that households will be worried about.
“The £200 energy bill credit will be a useful boost for households in a time of crisis, but this won’t be implemented until October when energy bills may be even higher. Make no mistake, customers will have to find the funds to pay for it over five years - this is a loan, not a gift.
“A £150 council tax rebate for those in bands A to D is a welcome contribution to the household budget shortfall, but only begins to scratch the surface of the inflationary challenges millions of homes will be confronting. Households are facing cost of living challenges from all sides, including increases to National Insurance, interest rates, and even broadband and phone bills.
“As with the price cap, the Government risks falling into the same trap of trying to give thin support to everyone instead of focusing on deeper support for those who need it the most. Increasing the numbers of people who can claim the Warm Homes Discount next year is important, but there’s no commitment to increase the level of the assistance which is currently severely inadequate.
“These measures are of course better than nothing, but they are sticking plasters on a challenging year ahead for households. We urgently need the Government to now look again at how they can ensure proper help is directed to those who need it the most in time for next winter.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ross Stebbing
Phone: 07827 836 709
Email: ross.stebbing@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.