economy
Pensioners face 'dire' winter as energy bills to hit three-year high
Pensioners face a "dire" winter as energy bills are set to hit a three-year high. Campaigners warned that struggling older people will be forced to take "drastic action" after Ofgem raised the price cap by 4% from October.
TL;DR
- Energy price cap to rise by 4% from October, with a further 9% increase predicted in January.
- Campaigners warn of a 'dire' winter for pensioners, with fears of premature deaths from cold.
- 1.7 million older people in the UK are living in poverty, and another million are close to the breadline.
- Charities are calling for government action to protect vulnerable older people from unaffordable energy bills.
- Suggestions include increasing the tax-free personal allowance and extending the Warm Home Discount.
- Political figures from different parties are debating the causes of high energy bills and potential solutions.