Energy bill support may target benefit claimants as price cap rises feared
The Chancellor is reportedly considering targeted help for rising energy bills, with support likely to focus on households receiving means-tested benefits rather than the wider middle class. The potential increase in the energy price cap, linked to instability in the Middle East, could significantly raise costs next year and intensify pressure on household finances and the Government.
One option could be expanding the £150 Warm Home Discount, while a temporary 5% VAT reduction on electricity is due to end in March. Ministers face difficult budget choices amid weaker growth, higher inflation and concerns about further tax rises, including possible changes to capital gains and property taxes; the Government has described reports about its plans as speculation.
- Energy support may be focused on benefits claimants.
- Energy bills could rise sharply next year.
- Tax rises and financial-market risks are also concerns.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Middle class ‘to miss out on help with soaring energy bills’ as Chancellor ‘set to target support at benefits claimants’ – while Budget tax hike fears mount”.