Struggling UK households could get further support with their energy bills

The UK government is weighing “a range of support” for vulnerable households as an energy price cap increase approaches, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said. She acknowledged that standing charges are “too expensive” for many and that ministers, working with regulator Ofgem, are reviewing how these fixed costs should be recovered most fairly. Families are preparing for winter energy costs to reach their highest level in three years, even as Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to remove VAT from electricity bills starting in October. Ofgem is due to announce the next price cap for England, Scotland and Wales for October to December, with forecasts projecting bills rising 4% to £1,729 due in part to Middle East-driven wholesale price pressure.