With Labour under fire for scrapping universal winter fuel payments to pensioners, ministers met energy industry bosses yesterday to discuss ways of supporting struggling households through the colder months.
Executives from 10 of the UK's energy suppliers - including the boss of British Gas, Chris O'Shea - met the energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh alongside consumer groups, charities and the regulator, Ofgem.
It is understood there was "broad agreement around the table" that urgent action was needed to help tackle a "worrying" rise in debts being racked up by consumers on their energy bills, which have reached a record high of £3.2bn in total.
In the short-term, the government is expected to consider demands for it to double the support offered to homes through the warm home discount, a scheme that hands £150 to billpayers in Great Britain who are in receipt of certain benefits over winter.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin August 29, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin August 29, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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