Energy cap rise: Act now to protect families from 'devastating' impact, urges IPPR

Responding to Ofgem's announcement on the increase in the energy price cap, Luke Murphy, associate director for energy and climate at the IPPR think tank, said:  

"This hike in energy prices will be devastating for many families. Many people simply won't be able to pay, and others would be forced to choose whether their families go cold or hungry. 

“Allowing this announcement to go ahead without setting out what support government will put in place means that millions pf people will fear the consequences of this hike for them and their families.

"The government must act urgently to provide emergency support this winter, by freezing energy prices or providing significant support to households through direct payments, with additional targeted support for those on the lowest incomes.  

"Meanwhile, we need urgent reform of the energy market and a drive to reduce our addiction to expensive climate-destroying gas to heat our homes. That means a big expansion in clean energy and a national home upgrade and insulation programme to make all our homes warmer and our energy bills cheaper."