OFGEM Price Cap increase is unwelcome news for households

Age Scotland is calling on the UK and Scottish governments to put together a plan to better support older households on low incomes to cope with increasing energy costs. 

Following news that OFGEM's energy price cap will rise by 13% between 1 July and 30 September, the Scottish charity for older people wants the Scottish and UK governments to improve access to energy efficiency measures, home insulation and enhanced financial support for the coldest parts of Scotland. They have also called for the Warm Home Discount to be increased to at least £200 and widened eligibility to include older people on low incomes but not in receipt of means tested social security.

Age Scotland's chief executive Katherine Crawford said:

"This will be particularly unwelcome news for households across Scotland.

"We know that energy bills are the toughest for most older households to bear and our research shows that half of Scottish pensioners are living in fuel poverty. That needs to change.

"While many may be using less energy during the summer, this latest and significant rise could be a sign of things to come in the autumn and winter as it gets colder and darker.

"It’s vital both the UK and Scottish governments put together a plan which better supports those older people on low incomes. Over the last 5 years energy costs have more than doubled but the financial support for those older households on low and modest incomes just hasn’t kept up. Better access to energy efficiency measures, home insulation and enhanced financial support for the coldest parts of Scotland should be seriously considered.

"The Warm Home Discount should be increased to at least £200 and eligibility widened to help those on low incomes who not in receipt of means tested social security and otherwise miss out."