New analysis from Somerset Labour reveals the true scale of next month’s energy hike on families in Somerset, as bills begin to land on people’s doorsteps informing them of the bumper price rise. The analysis reveals that households across Somerset will pay an extra £157Million thanks to the huge hike in prices. In addition, while the Conservative Government refuses Labour’s plan to support families through a tax on the bumper profits of oil and gas companies, the Conservatives plan to force every household to take out a £200 loan, would leave Somerset saddled in £45Million worth of debt.
Publishing the figures, Somerset Labour’s Cllr Leigh Redman said, “The cost of living crisis is about to get an awful lot worse for families all over Somerset with energy prices set to soar by 157Million across our Somerset. Yet instead of the real support Labour is proposing – all fully funded by a fair tax on the bumper profits of oil and gas companies – the Conservative Government are forcing every single family in Somerset into debt to pay their bills. As inflation hits a 30 year high families need real support, not more debt. Yet incredibly the Conservatives are still pushing forward with their National Insurance rise – pushing taxes higher than at any time since the reign of King George VI. Labour has a plan to support families in Somerset, but these Conservatives haven’t got a clue – and that’s hurting us all.”
Household energy bills are set to rise by £693 this April
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/price-cap-increase-ps693-april
Families across Somerset will pay a total of £157Million – see spreadsheet attached
The Conservatives are forcing every household to take out a £200 loan through their bills
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/feb/03/energy-bills-rishi-sunak-discount-rebate-council-tax
Labour’s plan to help families with their energy bills
To address the immediate crisis, Labour would bring in fully-funded measures now to reduce the expected price rise in April – saving most households around £200 or more – but targeted extra support to squeezed middle, pensioners and the lowest earners, receiving up to £600 off bills and preventing all of the increase in energy bills currently expected.
They would pay for this with a one-off windfall tax on North Sea Oil and Gas producers who have profited from price rises.
Further details contact Leigh Redman 07971 484039