URGENT action must be taken by the Government to help people through a potentially catastrophic cost of living crisis, political leaders in St Helens have warned.
The call, by the leader of St Helens Council David Baines, comes amid resounding warnings that people are in for a dire winter, with the energy price cap set to rise by 80 per cent by October, pushing the average household’s yearly bill up from £1,971 to £3,549.
Nationally, pollsters say research shows nearly one in four adults plan never to turn their heating on this winter, as average bills are set to rocket while the temperature drops.
Analysis by Friends of the Earth shows 32 out of 119 neighbourhoods in St Helens are at greatest risk of financial hardship when the price cap rises in October.
READ>St Helens Council working on SolarTogether to make energy cheaper
It means 27per cent of neighbourhoods in the area are among the worst impacted across England and Wales.
Writing in his St Helens Star column this week, Cllr Baines accused the Conservative Government of being "totally absent" over the summer during a time of crisis.
Warm banks could be set up
He wrote: "I’ve had discussions this week with colleagues in the council about setting up ‘warm banks’ to give residents safe, heated places to spend time this winter.
"It’s a scandalous reality and totally unacceptable for a country with our wealth, too much of which is clearly in the wrong hands.
"We’ll do everything we can to help residents and local businesses through the months ahead, and we’ll be working closely with the local voluntary and faith sector to coordinate support."
Labour has proposed an immediate freeze on energy bills right, paid for by a windfall tax on the energy companies making huge profits.
The Government, meanwhile, has said every household will receive a £400 discount on their energy bill over winter and further support for the most vulnerable but there is uncertainty over the exact course of action it will Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak compete to be the next prime minister.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has said he is working “flat out” to draw up options for a plan of action for the next prime minister so they can “hit the ground running” when they take office in September.
A Government spokesperson said: “We know people are incredibly worried about rising energy bills, following unprecedented gas prices across the continent driven by global events, including (Vladimir) Putin’s aggression in Ukraine and his weaponisation of energy in Europe.
“Direct support will continue to reach people’s pockets in the weeks and months ahead, targeted at those who need it most like low-income households, pensioners and those with disabilities.
“As part of our £37 billion package of help for households, one in four of all UK households will see £1,200 extra support, provided in instalments across the year, and everyone will receive a £400 discount on their energy bills over winter.
“The Civil Service is also making the appropriate preparations in order to ensure that any additional support or commitments on cost of living can be delivered as quickly as possible when the new prime minister is in place.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel