Millions of households could fall into fuel poverty next year as a result of the axing of the energy price guarantee, campaigners have warned.
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition says the number of households in fuel poverty will rise from seven million to 10.7 million after the government lifts its guarantee limiting the average household energy bill to £2,500 from April.
It will then fall slightly – but will still leave 10.1 million households in fuel poverty in the winter of 2023-24, the group adds.
It describes the outlook as “frankly terrifying” and is urging the government to focus on a new package of support and energy market reforms, alongside investment in home insulation and renewables.
“The new chancellor must work quickly, and with consumer groups and charities, to design a new package of support and energy market reforms that will help those in fuel poverty now and post-April,” says Simon Francis, co-ordinator at the coalition.
“But while the political focus on energy bills may now have shifted to next April, millions of the most vulnerable will be living in cold and damp homes this winter and will need further financial and non-financial support.”
Source: BBC