Wednesday’s meeting was called last week by Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh after it was announced the energy price cap would rise from October.
Energy regulator Ofgem, trade association Energy UK and Citizens Advice have also been invited to attend.
Ms Fahnbulleh said that together they would “help households in energy debt and take proactive steps to stop others from falling into it”.
However, there are concerns the government’s decision to stop the annual winter fuel payments, worth between £100 and £300, to pensioners not on means-tested benefits could create a public health emergency.
“In real terms, the changes this winter mean that some older people will face the highest energy bills on record,” said Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition.
“The impact of living in cold, damp homes is particularly harsh on those older people with a disability, a long-term health condition or with poor mental health.”
The charity Age UK says it believes “as many as two million pensioners who find paying their energy bills a real stretch will be seriously hit by this cut” and have launched a petition calling for a government U-turn.
The Conservatives have also urged Labour to back down on the decision and are seeking to challenge the policy change in the House of Commons.
Credit: Source link
