Age Concern: Government energy help package

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "This package will leave millions of the poorest pensioners wondering how they will afford their bills this winter. Energy efficiency measures are important to tackle fuel poverty in the long-term, and increased cold weather payments are welcome. However, wider pricing reforms are desperately needed to reduce fuel poverty levels and the millions of pensioners struggling to meet their bills will be disappointed that no further emergency help has been announced for this winter.

"The Government must recognise that energy efficiency measures alone will not solve the fuel poverty crisis. A new fuel poverty strategy is urgently needed. As part of wider reforms action needs to be taken to improve social tariffs which are currently unfit for purpose and address pricing inequalities leaving poorer households paying higher rates. We also feel there are concerns about the Warm Front and Cert energy efficiency schemes which need to be addressed in order for help to reach those who need it most."