PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to step in and help people being hit by soaring energy prices.
Speaking in a busy House of Commons chamber yesterday, Mr Crabb highlighted a couple from Pembrokeshire who have already been told their fixed tariff bills will more than double.
With some people arguing for a VAT cut to electricity bills or for the Government to slash the levies on bills which fund green energy, Mr Crabb instead urged the Chancellor to use the existing Warm Home Discount Scheme to help vulnerable customers quickly. He favours extending the scheme to reach more families and increasing the amount of support available.
Currently, the Warm Home Discount Scheme sees bills reduced by £140. Individuals and families are eligible to apply should they fit into one of two categories: those who receive Pension Credit Guarantee or those who are on low incomes. Mr Crabb is concerned this does not go far enough and help is needed for those working families who just miss out on support. The Preseli MP believes that action is needed now to ease the pressure of the price hikes.
Commenting on the looming energy increase, Crabb stated: “I have already had constituents getting in touch with me about the expected increase in energy prices. It is a real worry for families all across the country which is why I’m looking for the Government to get behind this issue and offer some support to a greater number of households.’
“At present, eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Scheme is limited to a small grouping, the Chancellor should look at increasing the amount, as well as extending the current eligibility criteria. Without a change in approach, millions of families are going to be pushed nearer to the poverty line.”
