New energy bill debt support is needed

Oldham Liberal Democrats have backed calls made by several charities for the government to introduce “help to repay” support for people who are falling into debt because of rising energy bills.

Leader of Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Opposition Group councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “The cost-of-living crisis has hit families hard across Oldham Borough.  But the government could be doing a lot more to help.  By closing tax loopholes that the energy giants exploit for profits, the government could fund a ‘help-to-repay’ scheme to support people who have fallen into arrears because of spiralling prices.”

Charities including the Money Advice Trust, StepChange Debt Charity, National Energy Action, and Scope have urged Energy Secretary Grant Shapps MP to introduce a dedicated “help to repay”.  An estimated 5.5 million UK adults are behind on their energy bills, according to a survey for the Money Advice Trust; and the charity estimates that 3.2 million people have received demands from their energy supplier for repayments of arrears they cannot afford, the charity has said.

Councillor Sykes said, “There are 2.1 million more people in energy arrears than there was this time last year.  Millions more are struggling and not all energy providers are providing support.  The government needs to act.  The best way to support ordinary families, in Oldham and across the country, is to get tough on the unearned super-profits of the big energy companies.”