Why Andy Burnham’s Next Move Must Be An Energy Social Tariff

Writing for HuffPost UK, Maria Booker and Colin Saunders of Fair By Design say the PM must act as bills go up again.

Energy is not a luxury. It’s a fundamental necessity that we all need to stay safe and well.

Yet for too many people, an energy bill is a source of dread rather than simply a cost, and yesterday’s energy price cap announcement, pushing the average bill up by £60, will only deepen that anxiety.

As Colin, a member of Fair By Design’s Lived Experience Advisory Panel, explains: “All too often, people struggling financially are viewed as lazy or lacking ambition, but that’s far from the truth.

“Poverty, poor mental health and barriers to engaging with the workforce carrysignificant social and financial costs.”

Colin is currently self-employed and works part time, as he has caring responsibilities for his elderly mum and his older brother. These caring responsibilities mean he cannot work full-........

© HuffPost