STRUGGLING families have been promised a rescue package is on the way to help meet their record-high energy bills.
Today, it was confirmed that bills will rise to nearly £3,600 a year — with Government sources insisting help is coming “as soon as possible”.
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Ministers are under pressure to offer radical support similar to the schemes used during the pandemic.
Proposals are being lined up to allow either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak to make quick decisions to help deal with the crisis when they become PM.
A Treasury source told The Sun: “This will mean the incoming Prime Minister can hit the ground running and deliver support to those who need it most.
“Putin is driving up gas prices to inflict as much pain as he can on the British people, in revenge for our steadfast support of Ukraine. We can’t let him use energy to divide us.”
Six in ten voters want targeted support for households hit by not just energy costs but also by rises in essentials such as food and water, a poll by Public First shows.
If she becomes Prime Minister, front-runner Ms Truss will hold a fiscal event next month where measures will include reversing the National Insurance increase.
She also spelt out how she would boost energy supplies and then see “what else needs to be done”.
Support this autumn already includes £400 off energy bills, a second tranche of a £650 payment for vulnerable households and £300 for all pensioners.
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Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said the increase in the energy price cap would cause “stress and anxiety” for people but that the Government was working to develop more options to support households.
“I know the energy price cap announcement this morning will cause stress and anxiety for many people, but help is coming with £400 off energy bills for all, the second instalment of a £650 payment for vulnerable households, and £300 for all pensioners,” he said.
“While Putin is driving up energy prices in revenge for our support of Ukraine’s brave struggle for freedom, I am working flat out to develop options for further support.
“This will mean the incoming prime minister can hit the ground running and deliver support to those who need it most, as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer demanded the Government implemented his plan to freeze bills at the current level.
But Labour’s plan was hanging by a thread last night as independent fact-checkers Full Fact warned of an £8billion funding hole.
A Liz Truss campaign spokesman said: “Today’s announcement will cause grave concern to many people across the UK who will be worried about paying their bills.
“As Prime Minister, Liz would ensure people get the support needed to get through these tough times.
“She will immediately take action to put more money back in people’s pockets by cutting taxes and suspending green energy tariffs.
“This is on top of ongoing work such as the Energy Bills Support Scheme, which will see a £400 discount paid to consumers from October, and the £1,200 package of support for the most vulnerable.”
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