The Trades Union Congress is urging ministers to launch emergency cost of living support before the next rise in energy bills, warning that millions of households have run out of room to absorb further price jumps without falling into hardship.
According to the Mirror, the TUC wants around two thirds of households shielded from the looming increase, with help targeted at low and middle income families who already spend a sizeable share of their wages on heating, lighting and hot water through the year.
The union body says the package should be paid for by raising the levy on bank profits, arguing lenders have posted strong earnings while ordinary customers face higher mortgage costs, stubborn food prices and rising bills at the same time.
Energy prices in Britain have stayed well above pre crisis levels since 2021, driven by wholesale gas costs, network charges and a string of supplier failures. Even with the Ofgem price cap in place, the typical dual fuel bill is hundreds of pounds higher than it was five years ago.
Charities have long warned that fixed costs leave little for food and travel once heating bills are paid. Citizens Advice has reported record numbers of people seeking help with energy debt, and food banks continue to see steady demand from working families.
The TUC argues that targeted support would be more efficient than across the board handouts, focusing public money on the households most at risk of falling behind on bills this autumn and winter. The Treasury has not yet responded to the specific proposal.
Ministers have previously said they want to bring down bills through cheaper clean power rather than emergency cheques to every billpayer, though officials have not ruled out further targeted help. The Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment schemes already provide limited support for pensioners and low income claimants.
For households, the question is whether any new scheme arrives before the next price cap review, or whether families will be left budgeting around higher direct debits through the colder months ahead.