The government is not expected to offer further help with household energy bills before the price cap rises by 4% in October, despite ministers acknowledging the pressure on families. It may reconsider targeted support ahead of January if prices rise again, with global gas-market disruption linked to the US war on Iran cited as a major cause.

The government has already removed VAT from domestic electricity bills, saving an average household about £45 a year, after bills rose 13% in July. The Resolution Foundation says support should be prepared for households earning under £24,000, potentially reaching 40% of households and saving £175 on average, while the TUC has called for a windfall tax on bank profits to fund bill reductions.