She said: “Today’s £100 household energy payment is welcome, as is the extension of the VAT cut on electricity until July, but ultimately it won’t go far enough for many households.
“Despite the removal of VAT from electricity earlier this month, it hasn’t stopped bills rising. The price cap still went up for a typical household from 1 October, and forecasters expect another rise in January, in the coldest part of winter.”
Creditspring research found that rising energy costs were among the public’s biggest Budget concerns, cited by 51 per cent of respondents. Direct help with bills was the most requested form of Government support, backed by 46 per cent.
Among people aged over 55, 40 per cent said they had left their heating off when they needed it because they were worried about money.
Ms Powell added: “Any support is valuable, but with bills set to keep rising, it is essential that help reaches everyone who is struggling this winter.”
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, was more critical of the announcement.
He said: “The Chancellor talked the talk on energy bills, but ultimately failed to walk the walk.
“Yet the only immediate support is a payment that will barely dent the predicted rise households face in January. Because it is paid directly into household bank accounts in England, it may not even be spent on staying warm this winter.”