NHS bosses have warned that there could be a “humanitarian crisis” coming this winter, as soaring energy bills plunge millions into fuel poverty. Energy regulator Ofgem is expected to announce how high it’ll raise its energy price cap next Friday (August 26).
In a letter to ministers, the NHS Confederation - which represents NHS leaders - said that the coming surge in energy prices was likely to have serious consequences for health. It noted that many people would face difficult choices between eating and heating their homes.
The warning comes after a series of stark forecasts for energy bills in the months ahead. Market analyst Auxilione warned last week that they could top £5,000 a year by January, while Cornwall Insight said it expected the price cap to hit £4,266 in the New Year.
READ MORE: Around £32m more needed to pay energy bills to keep Nottinghamshire hospitals running
“The country is facing a humanitarian crisis,” NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said. “Many people could face the awful choice between skipping meals to heat their homes and having to live in cold, damp and very unpleasant conditions.”
“This in turn could lead to outbreaks of illness and sickness around the country and widen health inequalities, worsen children’s life chances and leave an indelible scar on local communities,” he added.
The NHS has already been under severe pressure in recent months. Some patients have reported being made to wait hours on end for ambulances, and there are serious concerns about the health service's ability to cope with the stresses and strains of the coming winter.
Charities have appealed to the government to do more to shield consumers from the looming increase in energy bills. Citizens Advice estimates that around 13 million people in the UK will be unable to pay their bills from October, as the cost of living crisis hits hard.
A University of York study, meanwhile, forecast that nearly two-thirds of UK households would find themselves in fuel poverty by January. This would amount to 45 million people.
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