A pensioner who lives 'hand to mouth' is facing a fight to stay warm this winter following today's new energy price cap. Simon Moss, a 70-year-old retired customer service assistant, says he can never afford to go out so will be stuck inside his cold housing association bungalow. He is one of 11.
8 million people in the UK who say they don't have enough to live on, according to a new report from Christians Against Poverty. This comes before today's (October 1) new energy price cap that has come into force - causing the typical household bills to rise. From 1 October to 31 December, gas prices will be capped at 6.
24p per Kilowatt hour (kWh), and electricity at 24.50p per kWh. This change will mean a dual-fuel direct debit household using a typical amount of energy will see a £149 increase in their energy bills per year - totalling the annual cost to £1,717.
The charity says their clients are £273-a-month short of what they need to be able to cover their basics such as food, energy bills and rent. Simon said: "It will be a dire situation for all and will leave many people, like myself, in very difficult positions. Life is a struggle and I've had to make so many cutbacks.
I never go out and hardly ever drink anymore. I'm scared for the winter.” A few years ago, Simon found himself in a difficult financial situation and sought help from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) after being referred by Gentoo Housing.
With the assistance of his CAP Debt Centre Manager, Simon was able t.
