Cost of living crisis: what Lancashire councils are doing to help people cope with rising energy bills

Residents across Lancashire are bracing themselves for further energy prices rises this winter.
By Fiona Finch
Published 10th Aug 2022, 13:30 BST
Updated 10th Aug 2022, 15:45 BST

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Households already owe £1.3 billion to their energy suppliers two months before bills are set to soar by more than 80% Photo: Danny Lawson PAHouseholds already owe £1.3 billion to their energy suppliers two months before bills are set to soar by more than 80% Photo: Danny Lawson PA
Households already owe £1.3 billion to their energy suppliers two months before bills are set to soar by more than 80% Photo: Danny Lawson PA

With many already in fuel poverty – defined as having to spend more than 10 per cent of income on energy bills – the expected October hike will hit households already struggling with rising food and petrol prices.

The UK’s energy price cap for households is forecast to hit £4,266 in January and The Cornwall Insight consultancy advised this week that average gas and electricity bills could first soar to £3,582 per year in October, before rising higher in 2023.

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We asked Lancashire County and local borough councils what steps they are taking now to help support people who can no longer cope with soaring energy bills.

Households across the county are feeling the pinchHouseholds across the county are feeling the pinch
Households across the county are feeling the pinch

Lancashire County Council

As the cold bites and heating bills soar this winter Lancashire County Council is aware many people may seek refuge in warm public buildings. Libraries and museums could see an increase in visitors. A cross-party task group was set up last month to look at how the council can adopt best practice and deliver “warm hubs and welcoming space schemes”.

Meanwhile the council has distributed funds to local (borough) councils with a £1m Affordable Warmth Scheme approved on July 14 to help some local residents improve home insulation and heating.

County Coun Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Living in a cold home can have a number of negative impacts on your health and wellbeing. That is why we are taking and exploring a number of responsible measures with our partners to support our residents this autumn and winter. We are also making £1 million available to our district council colleagues to enable them to improve the insulation and heating systems in homes across Lancashire, which will, in turn, improve the health and wellbeing of our residents."

With gas prices soaring, the average household may be forking out £4000 a year.With gas prices soaring, the average household may be forking out £4000 a year.
With gas prices soaring, the average household may be forking out £4000 a year.