April & October Energy Bills: The Wallet‑Wiping Countdown
What the Energy Minister (Gregg Hands) Had to Say
- “It’s a moving target.” Hands let us know on BBC Radio 4 that the pound‑per‑kWh price cap isn’t nailed down yet.
- “We’ll kick in the brakes if we have to.” He’s convinced the government will react to consumer pain.
- “We’re all heroes in a very expensive world.” He reminded listeners we’re not some exempt island when global gas prices keep climbing.
Experts Predict a 17% Spike in October – Unless the Gas Market Winks
- Energy analysts warn that if oil prices don’t test the floor, our bills could jump almost 20% in October.
- Even a 17% jump is a stark reminder that the “constant review” tagline is no excuse for lagging action.
The Government Jacked‑up Budget & Who It Actually Helps
- Adam Scorer, top boss of National Energy Action, slammed the £350 support as “nice but not enough.”
- He’s demanding a “deep, hard hit” approach – direct cash for the poorest rows.
- “That £500 jump over the year feels like a last‑minute murder‑mystery for low‑income households,” he said.
- Scorer sees the crisis as “long‑lasting” and the one‑off help as a weak sword in a war for survival.
Bank of England’s Take: A Rough Road Ahead
- Governor Andrew Bailey spread the gospel on Radio 4: “Real income will drop, inflation will rise, but we’ll self‑heal by 2025.”
- He’s not spinning any fairy‑tale headlines – just realistic expectations that the economy will endure a “strong period” of strain.
There’s a lot on the table: rising bills, government plans, expert warnings, and a steady‑state economy forecast. If your wallet can handle it, keep an eye on July‑like ‘cost‑of‑living crisis’ headlines – the future’s bright with potential price spikes and possible relief.
