Ofgem price cap increase: response from Christians Against Poverty Scotland

“At CAP, we know that many of the most vulnerable households are already unable to pay skyrocketing energy prices. A great many more will be added to their number, as bills under this new price cap will have trebled since last summer.

“It is outrageous that across Scotland people are living in fear about how they will stay warm or even stay alive throughout the winter months, where we already have the highest levels of extreme fuel poverty in the UK. This will have a devastating impact on people’s physical and mental health.

​“We have been told that support is coming — but there is as yet little evidence that those making those promises truly understand the scale of the problem, nor the urgency with which they must act.” 

CAP is calling on both the UK and Scottish Governments to take immediate action to mitigate the worst impacts of the cost of living crisis this winter. This includes:

• At least double the support committed so far to households on means tested benefits and the wider Energy Bill Support Scheme.

• Pausing benefit deductions for repayments to government debts for six months and bring forward the uprating of social security in line with inflation which will benefit people on the lowest incomes the most.

• A ban this winter on energy companies forcibly switching customers to pre-payment meters and a moratorium on court action to collect energy debts.

• Double the Scottish Child bridging payment to provide immediate support and bridge the gap for families with older children.

Importantly, CAP is also urging people who are struggling with debt not to ignore it, but to get in contact for free debt help on 0800 328 0006 or visit capscotland.org.