The recent announcement of a 20% increase of the energy price guarantee (EPG) from April is worrying households across England, Scotland, and Wales. This increase comes at a time when the £400 energy bills support scheme has ended, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.

We urge you to reconsider this decision and postpone the increase of the EPG. Postponing the increase would be a practical and fair decision, with household energy bills already doubled from the previous winter. It would also reduce inflation and reduce the Government's expenditure on the energy subsidy.

Furthermore, without intervention, the charity National Energy Action predicts that the number of fuel-poor households will rise from an already unacceptable 6.7 million to 8.4 million, approaching double the number in October 2021. This is a frightening statistic that cannot be ignored.

We stand in support of this request along with Martin Lewis, Citizens Advice, Fair By Design, National Energy Action, and StepChange. We hope that you will consider this change and make a decision that will positively impact the lives of millions of families.

Sincerely,