Ofgem price cap increase: response from Christians Against Poverty

“Each year CAP helps over 13,000 people and, from calls to our debt helpline, 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 the UK, today, families are living in fear about how they will stay warm or even stay alive throughout the winter months.

​“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 the UK Government to take immediate action to mitigate the worst impacts of the cost of living crisis this winter. This includes:

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

• Pausing benefit deductions for repayments to debts owed to the UK Government for six months, which will benefit people on the lowest incomes the most.

• Banning energy companies from forcibly switching customers to pre-payment meters — including via smart meters — this winter and imposing a moratorium on court action to collect energy debts.

The UK Government must also take this opportunity to ensure that action taken now to ensure everyone has enough to live through this winter can be the start of our journey towards an end to UK poverty.

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 capuk.org.