Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “A growing number of households are spending an unsustainable share of their income just to heat their homes in winter and keep them cool in summer. At the same time, the energy industry keeps posting huge profits.
“Sadly there is no sign of this stress on households easing. In fact, it could get worse. With energy costs rising over the summer, any chance households had to reduce energy debts or build up reserves before the winter heating season will be wiped out.
“The small glimmer of hope offered by Cornwall Insight’s predicted price fall is also precarious. Any breakdown in the US-Iranian ceasefire or future closures of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to the cost of gas soaring again.
“The next Prime Minister will inherit an even greater urgency to act.
“If it is to be Andy Burnham as the next PM with his vision of a rewired Britain, then new Ministers must also rewire how energy bills are set.
“Plans to devolve control of energy will count for nothing unless they are accompanied by a permanent social tariff, an end to energy debt, reduction of electricity costs and a credible plan to break the link between gas and electricity prices.”
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