More help for thousands of households in energy bill crisis revealed in today’s Queen’s Speech

HOUSEHOLDS have been promised more help with energy bills in today's Queen's Speech.

At the opening of parliament today, the Government laid out that the cost of living crisis was a priority.

But households shouldn't expect more free cash any time soon.

The speech, read by Prince Charles today, did not lay out any details about immediate cost of living help from the Government.

Instead, he said an Energy Security Bill would mean the energy price cap would continue beyond 2023.

It is the first time the Queen has not read the speech in 59 years.

Charles, 73, was granted powers to deliver the televised speech on the Government's legislative programme alongside Prince William in a historic change to protocol.

The energy price cap was originally brought in as a temporary measure to help improve competition in the energy market.

The Government also said it would bring down the cost of heat pumps in a bid to encourage more households to switch to green energy.

From this month, families can apply for grants of up to £6,000 to help cover the costs of heat pump.

But the grants don't cover the full cost of the heat pump, which is often as much as £10,000 - compared to a typical cost of a new boiler of £1,500.

In the Queen's Speech, the Government said: “We will be ready to take further steps, if needed, to support households."

Under the Energy Security Bill, announced today, the energy price cap will remain in place beyond its planned end of 2023.

It said the move would protect 22 million households who are current on a default or variable energy tariff.

The Government also said it would support the industry to increase investment in heat pumps, and appoint Ofgem as the regulator for heat networks to ensure "consumers get a fair price and reliable supply of heat".

Responding to the announcement, Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of energy regulator Ofgem, said: "The Energy Bill provides a clear direction of travel to boost our clean home-grown energy, reduce reliance on global fossil fuels and drive us towards a secure and carbon neutral future."

But experts have warned the Government's help does not go far enough.

Dan Paskins, director at Save the Children, said: "The cost-of-living crisis is an emergency the UK government should be dealing with right now. The Queen's Speech was a major opportunity to support those most affected by rising costs, and the government didn’t take it. 

“Families we work with are skipping meals, rationing their power and taking on unsustainable levels of debt. But again, instead of taking serious action ministers have buried their heads in the sand. 

“Families can’t wait any longer for support. The government must commit to increasing benefits in line with inflation as soon as possible, and no later than the autumn budget."

Richard Eagling, senior personal finance expert at NerdWallet, agreed it was a missed opportunity.

He said: “No doubt many people will have been hoping for more mention of short-term financial measures to support those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

"Almost a quarter of UK adults are finding it more difficult to keep up with monthly bills compared to a year ago and the situation is only likely to get worse.

"Now, it's vital that the government outlines a plan regarding its long and short-term strategy to fuel economic growth and help households cope."

Last month, millions of households started to receive a £150 council tax rebate to help cover the cost of rising energy bills.

It comes as the energy price cap shot up 54% to an average of £1,971 a year.

But further increases are on the way, with the cap expected to rocket by another 32% in October.

In October, households will receive a £200 reduction on their energy bill to help ease the increase - but they will have to pay the money back in £40 instalments over the net five years.

Other Government help includes the £150 Warm Home Discount, which will become available to low income households in from October.

Households can also get £25 in cold weather payments if the temperature drops below freezing for a sustained period in their area, and Winter Fuel Payments of £300 to those of State Pension Age.

It comes as the regulator warned that "robust enforcement action” will be taken if energy companies are found to have treated consumers unfairly when increasing direct debit payments.

It said a “very invasive” review is under way into the way energy companies use direct debits.

There are concerns that many households have seen their energy direct debits increase at a much faster rate than they should have.

An investigation by MoneySavingExpert found that a third of customers had seen their direct debits DOUBLE.

Here is how to challenge an unfair energy bill, if you think yours is wrong.