Three quarters of public back social energy tariff after winter fuel payment cuts

Three quarters of the public back a social tariff to give a discount on energy bills for the most vulnerable, according to new polling.

The survey for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition shows support for a discounted energy deal for those in greatest need is up from 57% in a similar poll before the general election.

It comes as the Labour Government is facing an ongoing backlash over plans to strip millions of pensioners of winter fuel payments.

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: "In the first Labour Budget for 14 years, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has the opportunity to set this country on the right course.

"While she must ramp up renewable energy and help insulate the nation's leaky homes, we can and must also support vulnerable households with their energy bills now.

"While the constant headlines highlighting the cruel nature of the Chancellor's winter fuel cuts should make her reconsider, we know that time is running out for her to change course.

"So if the Chancellor won't reverse the winter fuel payment cuts, the very least she can do is take some of the excessive profits the energy industry is making and use them to create an affordable social tariff that reduces the unit costs of energy to help those who will always struggle with high energy bills, such as older and disabled people.

"The introduction of this safety net must be accompanied by a firm rejection by ministers of the calls from the profit-hungry global firms and their cheerleaders to keep us hooked on their fossil fuels.

"The only way to bring down bills permanently is through investment in insulation, home improvements and infrastructure which will free us from volatile gas prices forever.

"Those who claim otherwise are not acting in the best interests of the British public."

The Survation poll of more than 2,000 people, carried out earlier this month, found 75% back a social tariff as a whole.

Some 78% said if it were introduced it should go to the elderly, while 76% said it should be for the disabled.

Following the winter fuel payment cuts 67% of the public want to see the Government take action to boost other energy bill help.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that the previously universal winter fuel allowance would be restricted to only those on pension credit.

She blamed the move on a £22 billion black hole in the public finances left by the Tories, which they have denied.

A Government spokesperson said: "We will do everything possible to support vulnerable families this winter - including with the £150 warm home discount, expected to support three million eligible households, and our drive to boost pension credit, which has already seen a 152% increase in claims.

"The Minister for Energy Consumers has met with suppliers and asked them to build on the voluntary debt commitment for this winter to ensure people are supported with their bills.

"We have also extended the household support fund to prevent a cliff edge for struggling households this winter and recommend that anyone struggling to pay for their essentials contacts their council to see if they are eligible for this support."