Ofgem announcement response

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK said:

“Ofgem’s new price cap level represents a small reduction in the typical energy bill, but we fear that for many older people this will still be a challenging winter, especially if their incomes are just too high to qualify them for extra help, or if they use a lot of energy because of ill health or a poorly insulated home. 

"As the third winter of this energy price crisis approaches it's important to remember that the cap reflects the amount someone will pay based on typical consumption, it does not put a limit on bills, so those older people with higher energy needs will still have to pay a great deal of money for their gas and electricity, in some cases considerably more than they can really afford. 

"Having spurned the opportunity to put an energy social tariff in place we think the Government should certainly target more support to those most in need this winter. If extra Government help is not forthcoming we are seriously concerned that thousands of older people will face unacceptable levels of hardship, and unfortunately they will often be less well placed to withstand it than they were last year, having run down their savings since then in order to stay afloat.”

Age UK is urging any older person living on a low income or struggling with their bills to contact Age UK’s free Advice line on 0800 169 65 65 to check they’re receiving all the financial support available. Alternatively, people can visit www.ageuk.org.uk/money or contact their local Age UK for information and advice.  For further information about the cost-of-living crisis, please click here.