Labour MPs and cabinet members are urging John Healey to introduce fresh energy support for households in the Autumn Budget, as the Ofgem price cap rises and forecasts predict a further increase in January. The Chancellor is set to deliver his Budget on October 28, with pressure mounting to address the impact of higher energy costs on families across the UK.
From Thursday, households will see a 4% increase in energy prices, equivalent to about £60 per year – or £5 per month – taking the typical annual bill to £1,723 for a household using both electricity and gas and paying by direct debit, if that level were sustained for a year. However, forecasts from Cornwall Insight suggest a far greater increase is possible in January, with the typical annual bill projected to rise to £1,999.
Political pressure and warnings of public discontent
The push for action comes as one Labour MP warned that without fresh energy support, "the vibes will end," telling the Guardian newspaper: "The problem is the Treasury are just not understanding where the country are." The comment reflects growing concern within the party about the political and social consequences of failing to address energy affordability.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: "The Prime Minister has rightly recognised the need to give people breathing space with so many households under the cosh – but this energy bill emergency means the Government must go further and faster at the Budget to protect households." He called for a social tariff to cut energy bills for the majority of households, funded by a tax on banks' enormous profits.
Charities and officials call for targeted help
National Energy Action chief executive Adam Scorer urged the Government to do more for poorer households, saying: "The autumn Budget must deliver additional targeted support for households most at risk this winter, alongside action to tackle energy debt and improve the least energy efficient homes." His comments highlight the need for measures beyond general price cap adjustments.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh acknowledged the weight of energy price rises on homes this winter, stating: "From October 1, our VAT cut will give households some much-needed breathing space, making the energy price cap £45 a year less than it would have been." She added: "This follows the £150 of costs we removed from bills earlier this year. Alongside this, we continue to look at what more we can do to protect families from unaffordable bills, as we drive down bills for good through clean power."
Budget deadline and future outlook
The Autumn Budget on October 28 is now the focal point for these demands, with MPs and campaigners expecting concrete measures. The January forecast of £1,999 per typical household underscores the urgency, as winter energy use peaks and the current support measures may prove insufficient.
The combination of the immediate price cap rise and the projected January increase means households face a challenging period. The Government's response in the Budget will determine whether additional support is delivered, and how effectively it addresses the concerns raised by MPs, unions, and charities ahead of the winter months.
