Read CAP’s 2026 Autumn Budget press release here.
UK debt help charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) says despite some welcome support, it does little to reassure the millions facing an expected 16% increase in their January energy bills
Stewart McCulloch, CAP’s Chief Executive Officer, responds to the Autumn Budget:
Despite efforts to provide a variety of support, it won’t be enough to protect households on the lowest incomes from the worrying energy price rise in January.
“Millions of the poorest households that we directly help at Christians Against Poverty face a worrying winter and need more help. Every day we are visiting more people in spiralling debt, living in cold homes, going without heating and dreading what this winter will bring.
“Cornwall Insight is reporting the energy price cap will rise by 16%, an increase of £276. That’s on top of a 17% rise this year already. We know that over half of our clients, who represent the most vulnerable households in the UK, have unmanageable energy debts and desperately need more urgent help.
“The removal of the standing charges and the £100 energy payment for those in housing bands A to D, along with the extension of the £50 VAT cut on energy bills, are welcome. But, if we see the energy prices rise as expected, this will amount to only half the rise at best.
People are still facing incomes that don’t cover the costs of essentials. There were missed opportunities for targeted support for those struggling the most.
“An introduction of a national social tariff, the restart of the energy debt relief scheme, and an increase in the Winter Fuel Payment could have provided much-needed relief.
“This winter we will be working with our local church partners across the UK to provide free, face-to-face debt advice, practical care, and emergency support. We provide professional help and advice, but even with this expert support, incomes are currently too low and bills are too high. Ultimately, people’s budgets do not balance and more needs to be done to truly provide the breathing space people deserve.”
