Close-up of a hand holding a modern digital utility meter displaying water and electricity usage.

Over 100 organisations have written an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for a social tariff on energy.

The cost-of-living crisis has affected millions up and down the country this winter. And while most are having to choose between heating and eating, disabled families are having to choose between heating, eating and care, creating even more of a stark choice.

Age UK, Scope and over 100 other organisations have written an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, calling for a social tariff on energy.

A social staff on energy is a discounted energy bill. It would support those who are facing high energy costs, including disabled people, their carers, and older people struggling to pay their bills.

This would be a more targeted approach compared to the Government’s current Energy Rebate Scheme, which provides a discount to all households within tax bands A-D.

The organisations are calling for a 50% discount on the unit cost of energy for those eligible, and that it is automatically made available for those who need it.

This would include people who are on means-tested benefits, disability benefits, as well as people on low incomes who miss out on support from welfare.

You can add your name to the open letter and read it in full by visiting Scope’s website.