A government plan to extend support with energy bills to an extra 2.7 million households has been thrown into question, as the government's own advisors have concluded that it could cost the average billpayer £37 each year.
On 25th February 2025, the government said that its extension to the Warm Home Discount would give households a "helping hand" with increased energy costs. Yet, analysis published on 17th April by the Committee on Fuel Poverty has found it could increase bills by an extra £15 each year.
The Committee on Fuel Poverty has stated:
"The net benefit to households already in receipt of the discount could be reduced, because all households pay the levy cost regardless of whether they are recipients of the discount."
Now, Stuart has called on Ministers to clarify how they will offset the extra cost for consumers. His call follows a 6.4% increase in energy bills by £111 to £1,849 for 22 million customers in April. It means annual bills increased by £400 since July 2024.
Stuart has also renewed calls to reinstate winter fuel payments for pensioners in South Shropshire, after it was abruptly withdrawn last August. The restriction in support to those only entitled to means-tested benefits resulted in thousands of residents losing £300 energy support last winter.
The hike follows a swathe of price increases that have taken effect in April - with water bills, energy bills, and the TV licence part of a whole litany of household bils that have soared this month. Analysis has shown that the hikes cost the average family an extra £1,191 this year.
Across South Shropshire, 9,351 households are in fuel poverty - including almost a third in Clun. Stuart wants to ensure that these houlds have the support and information they need to keep their energy and other bills as low as possible.
In January, he launched an Energy Saver's Guide to help residents save money on energy bills. It includes useful information, tips, and guidance on energy tariffs, home insulation, and other ways in which to make their homes more energy efficient.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Rising utility prices including energy bills will be very worrying for residents across South Shropshire, costing the average family an extra £1,191 this year. Now, it has been revealed that the government's botched energy support plans could cost households an extra £15 each year. When this is combined with an increased energy price cap, any extra help will be immediately eaten up. Ministers need to clarify how they will offset the extra costs involved and deliver cheaper energy bills in the longer-term - including by reinstating winter fuel payments to help vulnerable pensioners in South Shropshire."
The Committee on Fuel Poverty has said:
"Fuel poverty is all too real for many households. They share characteristics which place them in a pool of similar people. They are on a lower income and possibly dependent on benefits. They will mainly live in some of the oldest housing in the UK, or a rural property. They will be paying more than some of their neighbours just to heat a similar size home, simply because they live in a cold home."
