Citizens Advice fears the “already worrying” number of people self-disconnecting from pre-payment energy meters could spike amid increasing cost of living pressures. The charity is predicting that in January, a month where finances are typically tight for many, some pre-payment customers will need to find an estimated £360 a month for their energy or risk being cut off.
The charity is calling for benefits to be raised in line with inflation, currently at 10.1% and expected to hit 11% by the end of the year, with its data suggesting that the number of people seeking its support could triple within months if this does not happen.
New Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) boss, Mel Stride, made it clear during a parliamentary session this week that no announcement will be made about the annual benefits uprating before the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, delivers his Autumn Statement on November 17.
