'I haven’t put the heating on all through the winter': People on the streets of Manchester react to the energy price cap

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

It was announced today that the energy price cap will rise by 54 per cent in April. Due to an 'unprecedented' rise in wholesale gas prices, the average household's energy bills are expected to rise by £693 a year.

For many, that increase - along with rising food costs, petrol costs and mortgages - will put many in a difficult position. Some may decide to turn the heating off on a cold night, others may decide that it's too costly to cook a meal in the oven. READ MORE: 'This used to be our view of a beautiful field packed with wildlife - now it has been ruined forever' Chancellor Rishi Sunak said there would be financial support worth around £9 million to help support the millions of households affected.

Mr Sunak said the government's plan would include an upfront discount on bills worth £200 for domestic electricity customers, which would be repaid in £40 installments over five years.

There would also be a £150 council tax rebate in April, which would not need to be repaid, alongside a £150 million fund to help local authorities support lower-income households with higher tax properties.