Andrew Mitchell MP visited The Spires retirement home in Boldmere to speak to residents about rising energy costs.

Rising energy costs, provoked by surging demand after the pandemic as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has increased inflation and in turn put pressure on living costs.

The Government has taken steps to help households through these extraordinary times: reducing the Universal Credit taper rate; increasing the National Living Wage; freezing fuel duty for the twelfth consecutive year; and launching a £500 million Household Support Fund.

Andrew spoke with residents at the Spires about energy rates at retirement homes with communal areas such as theirs.

The Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) was introduced and will run until March 2024 to provide a discount on gas and electricity unit prices in such circumstances, similar to the Energy Price Guarantee put in place for households.