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Conservative MPs have joined demands for Rishi Sunak to act on the risk of soaring energy bills in the New Year, putting pressure on him to end the uncertainty. Several assistant ministers are among the Tories who have signed up to a campaign launched by more than 60 charities to boost support for the 7 million households already living in fuel poverty. They want “urgent clarification” on what help will be available next year to pay high bills after Liz Truss’ promise of a two-year freeze was dismissed as unattainable. Rishi Sunak urged to do more to help with energy costs as bills soar (PA wire) And some are going further, calling for immediate help for the poorest people who face a dire choice between ‘heating or food’ this winter, including an extra emergency payment of £325 on 1 December. In an article for the Independent, Peter Aldous, the Conservative MP for Waveney, Suffolk, warned that the existing aid was far less than what was needed. “Without further action, 7 million households will be faced with making incredibly difficult decisions between a warm home and putting food on the table this winter,” he wrote. “The situation is even worse for many disadvantaged communities, including some of those I represent. “This government has only just been formed, but it faces a generation-defining challenge and must act now to protect millions of people from poverty this winter and beyond.” Energy bills were due to freeze until 2024 but will now be capped at an average of £2,500 only until April next year after the disaster mini-budget wrecked the economy. After that, help will go to those most in need, leaving many households facing an increase of more than £4,000, despite the recent fall in wholesale gas prices worldwide. Rep. Peter Aldous is asking for clarity on what happens after April (The Independent) The Treasury provided further targeted help this autumn, worth £1,200 for the poorest households – through emergency payments and council tax relief – and a £400 bill discount for everyone. But the Warm This Winter campaign says much more is needed, calling for a one-off payment of £325 for households on income-related benefits and a temporary ban on transfers to more expensive pre-paid meters. Around 30 MPs, including seven Tories – including Alex Chalk (Cheltenham), Paul Howell (Sedgefield) and Damian Moore (Southport) – are all calling for a more limited package. This would give clarity on bills after April, benefits to be upgraded in line with inflation next April, a massive home insulation program and a faster transition to cheaper renewable energy. The campaign poll found that more than 8 in 10 Tory voters fear their energy bills rising next April, while 41 per cent fear they will struggle to pay their bills this winter. Mr Aldous urged the Government to provide “clarity on support after April as soon as possible, with energy bills expected to rise to almost four times their pre-gas crisis level if no further action is taken”.
