https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/worsening-terrible-norm

Government urged to tackle high electricity prices and boost insulation in next week’s Budget as elderly, low-income families and homeless people struggle to stay warm

CAMPAIGNERS and trade union leaders urged the government today to tackle high electricity prices and boost insulation in next week’s Budget.

The Energy Crisis Commission, which brings together representatives from Energy UK, the Confederation of British Industry, Citizens Advice and National Energy Action (NEA), highlighted the continuing struggles of households, especially the elderly, low-income families and homeless people, as temperatures drop.

The call came as an emergency severe weather plan was activated for the first time this winter in London, warning of pressure across the health and social care sectors.

While welcoming the government’s commitment to clean energy, the commission said the transition will stall unless ministers take meaningful steps to lower bills. 

It warned that Britain remains critically exposed to further energy market volatility and price spikes due to its heavy reliance on gas.

The group urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the Budget to set out how the government will reduce the gap between electricity and gas prices, in order to support the energy transition. 

It said ministers should also review how policy costs, which fund renewable energy projects and social schemes, are charged. 

These are currently added to household bills, but the commission suggested moving them into general taxation or spreading them more evenly across energy types to ease costs for consumers.

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