Fury as £149 energy bill hike coupled with Labour’s winter fuel payment axe ‘will tip many OAPs into poverty’

A RISE in energy bills has piled pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to protect pensioners this winter.

Typical household heating costs will go up by £149 in October after Ofgem yesterday raised the annual price cap by ten per cent to £1,717.

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Experts warned it could push many pensioners into a “heating or eating” crisis after ministers axed Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) for ten million seniors.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said last month the help worth up to £300 would now be means-tested.

Those living on more than just £12,600 a year will not receive the support.

Derek Lickorish, of energy supplier Utilita, said: “There’ll be pensioners who fall through the cracks making the choice between heating or eating.”

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Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh will meet energy suppliers next week, saying firms should take steps to stop customers falling into debt.

In a letter to companies, she said: “It is vital they are given the support by their suppliers.”

It appeared to rule out any further government help. But the Tories hope to hold a debate in the Commons about the WFP.

Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Because Labour weren’t honest, millions of pensioners will have no plans to deal with higher energy bills.”

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Meanwhile, Ofgem is reviewing the standing charge system, which bills customers regardless if they use any power or not.