As predicted by numerous commentators, Ofgem (the energy regulator) last week increased its cap on annual energy bills to an average of £3,549 from October. Further increases are expected and it is disturbing that the frontrunner to be the UK’s next Prime Minister, Liz Truss, appears unwilling to consider radical measures to address the present crisis being promoted by a host of organisations. The Resolution Foundation thinktank, for example, has called for price freezes, solidarity taxes or lower social tariffs to…

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Only a few days ago, it was projected that average energy bills would soon reach £3,600 a year. The figure presently being quoted is £5,000. That is simply untenable and will do immeasurable harm to ordinary households across the whole of the UK. Martin Lewis, from the Money Saving Expert website, has described the situation as a “national crisis on the scale of the pandemic,” adding that unless “Britain’s zombie government” acts it will leave “millions destitute and in danger this…

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It is my sincere belief that politics should be about making society more equal and tackling the inequities experienced by individuals and families, as well as by communities in the different parts of the United Kingdom. But the last few days have shown that Westminster politics is failing to rise to this important challenge. The cost of living crisis is getting worse and worse. But as so many ordinary households struggle to pay their basic bills, and millions and millions worry…

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