PAIN IN THE GAS
Energy bills to soar by £700 TODAY as 5million Brits ‘plunged into fuel poverty’
ENERGY bills rocket by £700 today — as blackmailing Vladimir Putin threatens to send them even higher by turning off gas supplies.
British Gas, E.ON, Scottish Power and EDF websites were down yesterday as customers tried to submit meter readings before the energy cap rose to £1,971.
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Putin said he would not sell gas to the West unless he is paid in roubles.
Experts warn that five million Brits will be plunged into fuel poverty overnight, as parts of the country are hit by snow.
The energy price cap for 22 million people soars by 54 per cent today — the highest rise on record.
Also, the average Band D council tax will be hiked by around £70 to £1,966 a year.
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And the hated National Insurance rise comes on Wednesday — forcing millions of workers to hand over hundreds of pounds more to the taxman each year.
Cabinet ministers fear the crisis will spell disaster for the Government. One told The Sun: “This is going to come back to bite us.”
Rishi Sunak admitted last night that Brits face a tough year — but defended his tax and spend plans.
He told BBC Newscast: “Some of these things are difficult, they’re certainly unpopular, but they’re responsible and I’m not going to deviate from that for some short-term popularity gain.”
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The Chancellor is facing massive pressure to come up with a bigger bills bailout after his mini-Budget bombed.
He has promised £350 off bills for most, eased the tax burden on the lowest paid and promised 1p off income tax in 2024.
But anxious Tory backbenchers warned this was not enough.
Senior Tory MP Robert Halfon told The Sun: “As the cap rises today, it will put huge pressure on millions of families.
“The £9billion spent on cutting energy bills is hugely welcome, but cutting the green levies or introducing a downwards green levies escalator — when international energy prices are so high — would really make a difference.
“Lets not balance environmentalism on the backs of working people.”
The number of English households in “fuel stress” — spending at least 10 per cent of their budget on energy bills — will double to five million, the Resolution Foundation think tank said.
Citizens Advice has seen referrals to food banks shoot up by 44 per cent in a year.
What help is available if I'm struggling with my energy bills?
If you're struggling with your energy bills, there is help available.
Your first step should be to contact your energy supplier.
They may be able to change your payment plan or check if you're eligible for their hardship fund.
For example, British Gas and Octopus have both set up funds to help customers who are struggling with their bills.
British Gas announced yesterday that it has added an extra £2million to the pot of cash set aside to help customers.
You should also check that you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to.
Use an online benefits calculator to make sure you're not missing out on any extra cash.
Similarly, you can that can help you pay for gas and electricity bills.
The government recently announced an extension to the Household Support Fund to help families with the rising cost of living.
Contact your to find out what support is available in your area.
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Finally, one of the best ways of saving money is to make your home more energy efficient.
Check whether you can reduce your energy use with a simple trick such as putting foil behind your radiator.
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