Government looks to support those struggling with rising utility bills
Published On 11 April 2008
The government has revealed a new fund which could help 100,000 households meet rising utility bills.Households which are struggling to pay their rising utility bills will get a boost after secretary of state for business, enterprise and regulatory reform John Hutton brokered a deal with the domestic energy suppliers to offer an extra £225 million for social programmes.
The agreement came after Alistair Darling's Budget pledge that the government would make securing increased support for households who cannot pay their utility bills a top priority.
"Thanks to the cooperation of our energy companies the amount of money being spent on social programmes to help the poorest heat their homes is now set to treble," Mr Hutton commented.
"I do not underestimate the difficulties and anxiety that rising energy prices can cause but I believe that this extra cash, coupled with ensuring we have the most competitive market possible, will help us toward our goal of eradicating fuel poverty in the UK."
While the move was welcomed by consumer groups, they said that it would not be helpful to everyone facing fuel poverty.
Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, commented: "I would urge those facing fuel poverty to speak directly to their supplier about the help available to them, adopt energy efficiency measures and make sure they are on the cheapest available energy plan."
