West Midlands could be among worst affected areas in UK over rising gas prices
There are fears that people might be pushed further into fuel poverty
Last updated 22nd Sep 2021
The West Midlands had the highest fuel poverty levels in the whole of England before the recent increase in gas prices, which could leave people here in an even worse position.
Fuel poverty is experienced by people who struggle to pay the fuel bills required to heat their homes, while the sudden spike in fuel prices may force some across the region to have to choose between food and heating costs.
The recent spike in the cost of fuel is due to countries restarting their economies after Covid restrictions and because of the approaching winter months, has caused a global gas shortage.
Parminder Chopra, Director of Edan Power in Birmingham, says there are measures people can take to avoid falling into fuel poverty:
"Using a little bit less electricity when it's not making you uncomfortable. Switching lights off. Not leaving your TVs on standby and switching it off properly. There’s lots of little measures here and there that people can use to help."
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has revealed that large energy providers could be offered Government loans to take on customers if other companies go bust, in a bid to keep homes heated this winter.
He also confirmed earlier today that an Energy Price Cap will remain in place to help protect customers.
Some households in the West Midlands may be more worried over rising gas prices, following the Government announcement that a £20 cut to Universal Credit payments will begin to take affect at the end of the month.
Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, says that the sudden increase in fuel costs could have been avoided:
"Both political parties have been committed for some years now to our transition to what we call net zero. We’re still over reliant on fossil fuels. A lack in investment in that over the years has left us more exposed to this latest crisis."