Energy price crisis at top of both Tory candidates’ in-trays, says minister

theguardian.com:

The environment secretary has said the energy price hike crisis is at the top of both Tory leadership candidates’ in-trays after Britain’s energy regulator, Ofgem, announced that average annual household bills will increase by 80% this winter.

George Eustice told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have said they will do more to tackle the crisis if they become prime minister, but both have faced criticism for not laying out specific plans for the help they will offer.

Eustice said: “We announced a package of measures in June, which was a £400 rebate for everyone and then additional support for the most vulnerable.

“Both candidates have said they will do more. You don’t have long to wait, there will be a new prime minister in place in 10 days or so.”

On Friday, Ofgem confirmed a steep rise in the consumer price cap from October that will take a typical household’s gas and electricity bill from £1,971 to £3,549 a year. Bills are also expected to rise further in January and could top £6,600 in April.

While both Tory leadership candidates have pledged support if they become prime minister, neither has given details of the policies they plan to offer.

So far, Truss, the frontrunner to be next prime minister, has said she will reverse national insurance rises and scrap green levies on energy bills.

Responding to the price cap rise, she said she would “ensure people get the support needed to get through these tough times” but had no new suggestions about how much or who would get assistance.

Sunak has confirmed he will reduce or remove VAT on energy bills, but has offered no further policies.

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