The UK Labour Government faces mounting criticism for failing to uphold its promise to reduce household energy bills by £300.
Instead, under Labour’s tenure, energy costs have escalated, with a third increase anticipated this April.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has appealed to Ofgem, the energy regulator, to intervene as Treasury forecasts predict an average annual bill hike of £85, bringing typical household expenses to £1,823.
This surge follows previous increases of £149 in October and £21 in January, totaling a £170 rise since Labour assumed office last July.
Projections indicate that, with the forthcoming 5% increase, bills will have risen by £255 under Labour’s governance, starkly contrasting their pre-election commitment.
During the election campaign, Labour pledged to cut household energy bills by £300. However, the reality has been a significant upward trajectory in costs.
In a recent interview, GB Energy’s chief, Juergen Maier, was unable to specify when the government’s £300 reduction promise would be fulfilled.
When pressed on the timeline, Maier stated, “it’s not in the remit of Great British Energy.”
SNP Westminster Economy spokesperson Dave Doogan MP condemned the government’s approach, stating:
“This is a blatant and cynical attempt by the UK Labour Government to pass the buck on their broken energy bill promises.”
Doogan emphasized that while Ofgem plays a role in regulating prices, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Labour Party, which made the initial pledge to voters.
He further criticized the government’s inaction, urging immediate measures to halt further increases and provide a clear plan to deliver the promised £300 reduction.
Scotland, rich in energy resources, continues to grapple with some of the highest electricity prices in Europe.
Doogan highlighted this disparity, attributing it to Westminster’s control over energy policies.
Public trust in the government has been eroded due to a series of unfulfilled promises.
Pensioners have seen their winter fuel payments slashed, with the benefit now means-tested, affecting around 10 million pensioners.
Additionally, the Labour government’s budget introduced significant tax increases, including a rise in employers’ National Insurance and changes to income tax thresholds, further straining household finances.
The anticipated energy bill increase in April is poised to exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis, adding to the growing list of the government’s unkept promises.
Critics argue that the Labour government’s focus on long-term green energy projects, such as the establishment of GB Energy, has yet to yield tangible benefits for consumers.
The initiative, intended to create jobs and reduce bills, has faced delays and scaled-back projections.
As energy prices continue to climb, households across the UK are left questioning when, or if, the promised relief will materialize.
The Labour government faces increasing pressure to address the immediate needs of consumers and fulfill its election commitments.
Without swift and decisive action, public confidence is likely to erode further, leaving many to bear the brunt of rising energy costs with no clear end in sight.
