Age UK has given a cautious welcome to government plans to offer ongoing energy support to households, but warns that millions of older people remain under intense financial pressure due to high energy bills. The charity's concerns come amid a briefing from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on future assistance measures.
Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK, acknowledged the government's engagement on the issue but highlighted that many older individuals are still struggling to afford heating their homes. This is despite some recent reductions in the energy price cap and the introduction of the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
The charity has consistently argued for targeted support mechanisms specifically designed to reach those most in need, including older people who often spend more time at home and may have higher heating needs due to health conditions. Age UK stresses that any future government interventions must be both sustained and tailored to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable households.
The UK is still recovering from unprecedented energy price hikes driven by global events. While wholesale prices have stabilised somewhat, they remain significantly above pre-crisis levels. This persistent elevated cost environment makes long-term strategic planning for energy affordability crucial, especially for demographics disproportionately affected by price volatility.
Age UK's intervention serves as a timely reminder to policymakers that the underlying issues of energy poverty and population vulnerability persist, even if the immediate crisis has receded. The charity will undoubtedly continue to press for robust and equitable solutions as DESNZ develops its future energy support framework.