Salford households to face double blow as energy bills and council tax are set to rise in April

Salford households are set to brace for a challenging financial period as both energy bills and council taxes are set to rise this April.

The rise of the energy price cap to 6.4 per cent in April, with a recent spike in wholesale prices being the main reason for today’s price rise, accounting for around seven per cent of the increase.

The increase towards energy prices is expected to affect Salford residents, as council tax is also expected to rise annually.

And with the two rising from April, households could see their bills increase by a minimum of £9 extra a month.

Following the recent announcement of energy bill and council tax increases, it is expected to be major impact for the people of Salford – with the Salford Poverty Trust Commission expressing concerns for the “conditionality” of support from the government.

Sarah Whitehead, the Lead Facilitator of the trust said: “This will be a big blow to the people of Salford. Those that really need it have great difficulty accessing the help.”

“Surveys and research conducted reveals that people in Salford especially struggle with affording energy bills, it leads to households not able to use their gas and electrics.”

Due to these increases the government is bringing forward strengthened support for millions of households to help pay their energy bills next winter.

Nearly three million more families would now be eligible to receive the £150 Warm home Discount under new proposals to help people with their energy bills.

Additionally, efforts to make homes more energy efficient are increasing with the Warm Homes Plan to upgrade 300,000 homes this year and reforms aimed at tackling fuel poverty.

Following the energy bill increase, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This is worrying news for many families. This Government is determined to do everything we can to protect people from the grip of fossil fuel markets.”

The Energy Secretary continued: “Expanding the Warm Home Discount can help protect millions of families from rising energy bills, offering support to consumers across the country.”

In Salford, communities are doing everything they can to support residents through this rise in taxes, charity Mencap are offering a free energy and money-saving workshop for people with a learning disability, families and carers.

Through the sessions, they will be offering practical advice, and a chat with expert advisers as well as free keep warm items, such as tea, coffee and snacks.

And ahead of the energy bill changes, Salford residents are encouraged to seek available support and explore energy-saving measures to mitigate the financial impact.