Environment 
NewsFebruary 3rd, 2022
The Bevan Foundation today stated its deep concern about the increase in energy prices.
People in Wales will be hard hit by the latest increase in energy prices. These add an eye-watering £13.24 a week or £688 annually to the bill of a typical household, and even more if someone has a pre-payment meter.
This increase will put severe pressure on low-income households who are already being squeezed by rising rent and food costs. Low-income households already spend the least in cash terms on home energy yet it accounts for a large proportion of their outgoings.
Without more effective action, the Bevan Foundation is concerned that people will be forced to live in cold, damp homes or fall into arrears. The pressure of living in such straightened circumstances is immense and is likely to take a toll on people’s health and wellbeing.
The Chancellor’s ‘heat now, pay later’ offer covers only a fraction of the price increases people face and just delays the problem. The Welsh Government has shown the way with cash payments for the least well-off, but there’s still a gap.
In the short-term, there has to be more cash help for the least well off. But with high energy prices set to stay, we need a long-term solution – much more energy efficient homes and people to receive wages and benefits that reflect the true cost of living.
