Energy price rise: “crushing blow” to pensioners worried about having to choose between heating and eating

EMBARGO: 00.01 Tuesday 1st October

Responding to the Ofgem energy price cap rise of 10% from £1,568 to £1,717 coming into effect today (1st October) as Winter Fuel Payments worth between £200 and £300 are being cut for the vast majority of pensioners, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP said:

“Today’s price rise will be a crushing blow to all those pensioners who are wondering how they will get through the coming months without having to choose between heating and eating following the Winter Fuel Payment cuts.

“The Conservative Party proved themselves utterly unfit to govern and we recognise that the new government must clear up their mess, but to cut Winter Fuel Payments for vulnerable pensioners in the midst of a cost of living crisis with energy bills rising sharply again, is the wrong thing to do.

“That is why the Liberal Democrats have opposed these cuts every step of the way and will continue to do so until the government brings forward a fairer plan.

“It is not too late for the government to think again and ensure vulnerable pensioners get the support they need.”

ENDS