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25
Aug 2022
North Yorkshire Tories call on next government to 'get real' over energy bills
Tory councillors on North Yorkshire County Council have told the Conservative Party leadership candidates that direct targeted help will be needed to support residents through the energy cost crisis.
Senior members of the party in the traditional Conservative stronghold of North Yorkshire say they are becoming increasingly concerned about how the most vulnerable members of the community will cope financially ahead of Ofgem confirming October’s energy price cap tomorrow.
They have pointed towards demand for North Yorkshire County Council’s Local Assistance Fund, which provides support for vulnerable people needing help with essential living costs, doubling in recent months.
Energy bills are forecast to top £5,300 annually in April next year, representing a huge increase from previous predictions.
Prime ministerial candidate frontrunner Liz Truss has promised an emergency budget if she is selected, saying she would reverse National Insurance rises and stop business tax hikes.
She has also suggested extra cash support may be available for families struggling with energy bills.
Meanwhile Rishi Sunak said he would prioritise tackling inflation and introduce more targeted support for households, pledging to reduce VAT on domestic energy bills.
Read more:
- Andrew Jones MP defends government response to energy crisis
- MPs warned energy bills are pushing Harrogate district businesses to ‘tipping point’
A meeting of North Yorkshire County Council’s executive this week heard its finance boss and deputy leader, Councillor Gareth Dadd, say while he remained confident the authority could rise to the challenge of tackling inflationary pressures, some residents would struggle.
Cllr Dadd (pictured above) said:
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