We have all felt powerless as poverty mounts in Tory Britain. Here is a practical way to hold back the tide

‘Better economic news on ‘falling inflation’ is a mirage when bills keep on rising.’ Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

Winter is coming, and it will be harsher. People in “negative income”, whose incomings don’t cover their bills, are about to be hit even harder. Better economic news on “falling inflation” is a mirage when bills keep on rising.

Citizens Advice and the Social Market Foundation are this week calling for social tariffs – cheaper packages on essential bills for those on benefits – to stop millions more households sinking under debts and evictions.