Healey’s Budget set to ignore the squeezed middle: Chancellor confirms gas standing charges will be axed next year – but Martin Lewis says four-in-10 face paying more
The Chancellor has confirmed that gas standing charges will be removed next year, as part of planned action on energy bills. But Martin Lewis warns the change could leave four in ten households paying more, raising questions about how support will reach people in the squeezed middle.
Other measures under consideration include funding bill support through a levy on banks, removing green levies from bills and changing how gas and electricity prices are linked. The Budget is also expected to drop a planned fuel duty rise and retain the £20,000 annual cash ISA allowance; the minimum wage is due to rise by 3.9 per cent from April.
In short
- Gas standing charges are due to end next year.
- Martin Lewis says four in ten households could pay more.
- The Budget may also change energy levies and fuel duty.