Town hall calls for Government action over energy price rise hike
A town hall has called for urgent action following Ofgem, the energy regulator, today announcing that the household energy price cap will increase to £3,549 from October 1.
Lambeth council announced a package of support to address the cost-of-living crisis. However council leaders believe more must be done at national level as a top priority.
Lambeth council’s Leader Councillor Claire Holland, said: “Today’s announcement that the energy price cap will rise to £3,549 is a crippling blow for many families in Lambeth. Households in every corner of our borough are already having to make impossible choices between paying their energy bills and putting food on the table.
“This price rise will make things even worse – plunging thousands of families into fuel poverty and overwhelming the support services like local food banks that are struggling to provide for everyone who needs them.
“The council has expanded its council tax support programme by more than £3million this year, saving almost 7,000 households from having to pay any council tax.
In June the council announced a £4.3million cost of living package which included a range of targeted support for those who need it most .
The council has also supported thousands of children from low-income families with food and fun programmes this summer, increased support for advice agencies and worked hard to make sure people can access benefits they are entitled to, government grants and hardship funds including our own Household Support Scheme. A council taskforce has been established to coordinate the local response to the cost of living crisis.
Cllr David Amos, Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living, said: “We will take whatever action we can to help our residents at this difficult time. As well as immediate, direct support for those most at risk, we will also ensure our services offer support for sustainable employment for our residents and support for struggling businesses, and advice on information and available interventions on how to improve energy efficiency.”
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