Martin Lewis has called on the government to act ahead of a "tragic" energy price hike.
Shock forecasts from analysts Cornwall Insight have predicted bills will rise even higher this winter than had been previously thought. Bills are now expected to reach approximately £3,582 per year for the average household from October - up from the £3,359 predicted earlier this month.
From January, that amount is expected to rise to £4,266 before rising again in April to £4,427 - the previous forecast was for £3,729 in April. Cornwall Insight said these changes were due to "a change in calculation methodology" by energy regulator Ofgem.
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Martin Lewis has been providing financial advice to help consumers navigate the skyrocketing price hikes. The consumer champion had been taking a well-deserved break from social media to enjoy time with his family.
However, he returned from his break to demand the government take action after he branded the new forecasts as "tragic news". He said: "Action & planning is needed now. The zombie govt needs to wake up sooner than 5 Sept.
"These amounts are unaffordable for millions. The Jan figure equates to 45% of the full new state pension, and a higher proportion of the old one. The rise alone on the Jan prediction, from when the help was first announced in May, is roughly £1,400/yr...
"That rise alone swallows up not just £400 help for all homes, but even the £1,200 for the poorest This will leave many destitute. Tax cuts won't help poorest include many elderly & disabled who've higher usage Cutting green levy'd be just tiny sticking plaster on a gaping wound..
"The leadership debate must not ignore this portentous national cataclysm any more. -They can't say they weren't warned -The excuse 'we need to wait for Ofgem figure' doesn't wash. In May govt asked Ofgem for forward guidance & made plans based on that. It can do the same now..
"An action plan is needed TODAY. They are all in the same party, let's call on them to come together for the good of the nation rather than personal point scoring People's livelihoods, mental wellbeing & in some cases very lives depend on this."
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