The Resolution Foundation has urged the Prime Minister to provide more support for vulnerable households, especially those no longer receiving winter fuel payments, as 7.7 million families may struggle to heat their homes this winter. The rising energy bills are a significant concern, especially with an increase of £149 beginning imminently. As temperatures drop, this financial burden coupled with cuts to vital support systems highlights a critical need for intervention to assist those facing energy poverty.
With energy bills jumping to £1,717 for an average dual-fuel household, the latest cap marks a 10% increase from the previous level of £1,568 that had persisted since July. This rise comes amid an ongoing energy crisis initiated in 2021, worsened by geopolitical tensions and rising wholesale prices, making it crucial for government action to alleviate this strain on households as winter approaches.
The report indicates that 37% of households currently face fuel stress, defined as spending over 10% of their income on heating, which is a stark indicator of the impending difficulties many families will encounter. Additionally, the situation is exacerbated for single-parent households, with 77% likely to experience fuel stress this winter, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of rising energy costs on vulnerable demographics.
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