Budget 2026 live: chancellor says scrapping gas standing charges will save 60% of homes £45 a year
But there has been a more positive response from Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition. He said:
TL;DR
- Chancellor John Healey's first budget for Andy Burnham's government has been delivered.
- A central announcement is the abolition of standing charges on gas bills, expected to save 60% of households around £45 per year.
- The move is presented by the government as a reform of the energy market and a step towards tackling the cost of living crisis.
- The Conservatives have criticized the policy as 'sleight of hand', while the Green party deems it insufficient.
- Money saving expert Martin Lewis anticipates further energy bill support in the budget, suggesting it's likely based on his meeting with Healey.
- The budget is characterized as a more cautious approach rather than a radical overhaul of economic policy.