Number of Hartlepool families suffering 'fuel stress' is set to triple

The number of families in Hartlepool spending at least 10% of their budgets on energy bills is set to triple after the new energy price cap comes into effect in April, experts predict.
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The Resolution Foundation said the proportion of households in England in "fuel stress" - a general indicator of finding energy bills unaffordable - is currently nine per cent.

It expects the region’s figure to reach 33% because of fears the energy price cap could rise by more than 50% in April to around £2,000 per year.

Ofgem will announce the new price cap level in February.

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Fuel stress levels are set to be highest among pensioner households, those in local authority housing and people in poorly-insulated homes, according to the foundation, which is focused on improving living standards for those on low-to-middle incomes.

The foundation’s Jonny Marshall said: "The Government can take action by targeting support at lower-income households and should also temporarily transfer the cost of environmental levies onto general taxation."