Citizens Advice urges government against Universal Credit cut as energy prices surge
Amid soaring energy prices, Citizens Advice is urging the government against a cut of £20-a-week to Universal Credit.
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“This is a hugely unsettling time for millions of energy customers. It’s particularly worrying for many on the lowest incomes who’ll be facing the double whammy of rising fuel bills and a benefits cut.
“With choppy waters ahead, the single best thing the government can do is keep its lifeline of £20-a-week to Universal Credit.
“Ofgem must play its part and continue to provide support and protection - especially for those worried about their finances.
Background information
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Citizens Advice has seen a surge in people viewing its energy advice pages. This weekend:
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Its page on checking who has taken over your energy supply has just seen a 9000% increase in views from the previous weekend.
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Its page on what to do if your energy supplier has gone bust saw a 1700% increase in views from the previous weekend.
What should I do if my supplier has failed?
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If you’re a customer of a failed supplier, Ofgem will move you onto a different one. This can take a few weeks, but your gas and electricity supply will continue in the meantime.
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Your new supplier will contact you and it’s good to be prepared beforehand. Take a note of meter readings, keep old energy bills and make a note of your account balance.
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Wait until your new supplier is appointed before cancelling any direct debits. This should all make the transition easier.
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You can find more information on the Citizens Advice website.
Notes to editors
- Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.
- Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.
- The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.
- Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.
- Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
- To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
- For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 to talk in Welsh.
- We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.
- Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.