Expert views
Commentary submitted by Simon Francis in their own words.
Back to profileMinisters urged not to cut heat pump subsidy scheme to pay for defence
Cutting support for heat pumps would leave more households tied to gas boilers and face continued exposure to global price shocks.
Cost-of-living crisis has left families £2,900 worse off, think tank says
The cost-of-living crisis is an energy bills crisis, caused by our exposure to volatile gas prices.
Energy scams costing Scots more than £5,000 a week, figures show
It is sickening that anyone would prey on households already struggling through years of unaffordable energy costs.
Tories plan ‘bonfire’ of red tape in bid to speed up development – Griffith
Scrapping the rules may let profiteering developers build homes more cheaply, but the families who move in will pay for it through higher bills.
Energy bills set to see biggest rise in four years in January, experts warn
Another fresh crisis in energy bills is coming down the tracks and, once again, this is not of households’ making.
Burnham announces new GB Grid in bid to bring energy costs down
Greater public control of the grid is a step in the right direction, but it will only matter to families if it cuts their bills.
Burnham to announce new GB Grid in bid to bring energy costs down
Greater public control of the grid is a step in the right direction, but it will only matter to families if it cuts their bills. Households cannot wait 10 years for relief, so this must come alongside emergency support for those struggling now.
Coalition sets out winter rescue plan for Chancellor’s Budget
Two hundred days on from the start of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and it is households in Britain who are being handed the bill.
UK Government action could ‘unlock’ 100-plus oil and gas projects, say bosses
Oil and gas prices are surging ever higher, but once again the industry is requesting a tax cut in the middle of a war windfall.
Brutal January price cap on the horizon as gas prices hit four year highs
The wholesale cost of gas has hit a high not seen since December 2022, while heating oil prices have also surged upwards again.
Reform’s plans to abolish the Warm Home Discount
Around six million low income families would lose their winter energy bills support if the plans went ahead.
Scotland’s Programme for Government reaction
The return of the Heat in Buildings Bill is overdue.