People on £45,000 could struggle with bills, says chancellor

theguardian.com:

People earning around £45,000 a year, as well as those on benefits, could need government help to pay their energy bills this winter, the chancellor has said.

Britain’s energy industry regulator, Ofgem, on Friday confirmed an 80% 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.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Nadhim Zahawi said things would be “really hard” for middle-earners, as well as society’s most vulnerable.

Every household in England, Scotland and Wales is due to receive a £400 rebate on energy bills in coming months, while those on universal credit and other benefits will receive £650.

Zahawi said: “My concern is there are those who aren’t on benefits. If you are a senior nurse or a senior teacher on £45,000 a year, you’re having your energy bills go up by 80% and will probably rise even higher in the new year – it’s really hard.

“If you’re a pensioner, it’s really hard. So universal credit is a really effective way of targeting, but I’m looking at what else we can do to make sure we help those who really need the help. We’re looking at all the options.”

Charities have warned the rise could completely “wipe out” the incomes of poorer households, leaving millions with the threat of bills they cannot pay or the choice between heating and eating this winter.

On Friday Zahawi said Britons should consider cutting down on energy use in light of the huge rise in bills they will face given the new energy price cap.

The Tory leadership contenders Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak have pledged support but neither have outlined details of how they plan to do this.

The foreign secretary, who is the frontrunner to be the next prime minister, has