Chancellor urged to prevent 'dangerous gap' in winter energy support

Citizens Advice has warned the Chancellor over a dangerous gap in winter energy support for disabled people and working families. <i>(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)</i>
Citizens Advice has warned the Chancellor over a dangerous gap in winter energy support for disabled people and working families. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
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Failing to expand energy support beyond the current safety net risks bypassing those struggling the most, the charity said.

Typical annual energy bills are predicted to climb above £2,000 in January.

Combined with colder weather, average households could pay £60 a month more between January and March.

Households already facing a gap between income and essentials may have to find an extra £180 over the period.

Debt burden hits families and workers

Data shows 65 per cent of working parents seeking debt help who do not receive means-tested benefits cannot cover basic bills.

These households face an average monthly shortfall of £160 between income and basic essentials.

Disabled workers who receive Personal Independence Payment but not Universal Credit face the highest energy debt burden of anyone seeking help.

This group owes an average of £2,507, which is nearly £300 more than the typical person seeking support.

Calls for budget action

Citizens Advice called on the Chancellor to commit to an additional crisis support payment on top of the Warm Home Discount this winter.

Support should also expand to people receiving Child Benefit and Personal Independence Payment.

Expanding eligibility would protect households with children and disabled people who need help over winter but fall outside means-tested criteria.

For long-term support, the charity wants a permanent system giving households support based on actual energy needs.

Ministers are also urged to fund essential home upgrades to lower energy bills permanently, alongside lower levies to cut electricity prices.


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Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said advisers are seeing disabled workers weighed down by energy debts and working parents unable to cover basic costs.

She said: "That’s why we’re calling for a vital two-step approach this Budget.

"First, the government must provide immediate, expanded crisis support.

"Second, it must deliver on its existing commitments to upgrade leaky, cold and inefficient homes by fully funding the Warm Homes Plan.

"The government has promised to protect living standards, but failing to act on both these fronts risks causing immediate, avoidable hardship now and in future winters, for those who can least afford it."

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