Uswitch calls on Government to offer more targeted support to most vulnerable  

Justina Miltienyte, energy policy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The Spring Statement delivered some support for customers struggling with rising household bills but the announced measures are not targeted enough to really help those most in need.

“Consumers are already desperately worried about what will happen to their bills this winter, and this was a missed opportunity to offer reassurance about future measures which will help them cope with the rising cost of energy.

“It is good that the Government is thinking about energy efficiency, but removing VAT for households who want to purchase solar panels and heat pumps does nothing to help those who cannot afford such measures, and could further widen the gap between those that have and those that have not.

“The rise in the National Insurance threshold, cuts to fuel duty and basic rate of income tax are small steps towards assisting with increasing bills and other rising costs, but they are not specifically targeting those who are suffering the most, and more help will soon be needed.

“Putting another £500 million into the household support fund is a start, but too few households know about how to access this help, and this support needs to be reassessed before we enter the winter.

“The Government needs to keep a very close eye on the impact the rises on household bills are having on customers and act promptly to provide relief - not just wait until the Autumn Statement.

“There are things that could be done in the meantime that would give struggling households more support. Increasing the October energy rebate and changing it from a loan to a grant is one step, and reforming the Warm Home Discount, which is completely inadequate given the rise in energy prices since it was introduced, would be a good start.”