MILLIONS of struggling families “desperately need” a social tariff for energy, a coalition of more than 140 charities, MPs and organisations has said.

In an open letter sent to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak they are calling today for a long-term solution to Britain’s energy crisis as households face record winter bills — 13 per cent higher than last year.

“With winter fast approaching, short-term, targeted support is needed to protect the most vulnerable households in and on the edge of fuel poverty,” they said.

“There’s now a significant risk that no new protections will be in place by the time they are desperately needed.

“One of the most effective ways the government can address this enduring challenge is through the introduction of comprehensive targeted energy support, sometimes referred to as a social tariff.

“Anything else will be a costly sticking-plaster.”

The letter, signed by National Energy Action (NEA), Age UK, Citizens Advice, Energy Action Scotland, Fair By Design, MoneySavingExpert, and Scope, has been backed by leading charities, MPs, councils and organisations.

It comes as an NEA poll found 34 per cent of British adults expect to struggle to afford their heating bills this winter without government support.

The Tories are yet to make good on their repeated commitments to consult on a social tariff – cheaper bills for people claiming universal credit, pension credit and some other benefits – since making the pledge in last year’s Autumn Statement. 

Ben Lake MP, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on fuel poverty and energy efficiency, said: “The government cannot delay the introduction of a social tariff any longer.

“A social tariff would offer those in most need long-term security and provide much-needed relief from bills that are over 50 per cent higher than pre-crisis.

“It's time for the government to consult on these issues so a sustainable solution can be put in place.”

TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell told the Morning Star: “The UK’s energy system is broken.

“This is hammering the finances of the poorest households hardest, who pay a disproportionate part of their income just to keep their homes warm.

“We need to see the introduction of social tariffs and big, failing energy utilities back in public ownership.”

End Fuel Poverty Coalition co-ordinator Simon Francis suggested that the only people standing in the way of a fairer energy system are PM Rishi Sunak and his cabinet.

He said: “They need to wake up to the strength of feeling on this issue and take action now to keep people warm this winter — and every winter.”

And Citizens’ Advice energy policy head Gillian Cooper said:“Without the introduction of more long-term targeted support, we’ll see the same crisis repeated every winter.

“The government must deliver on its commitment to introduce better targeted support by April 2024.”

Typical energy bills will be £1,923 from when Ofgem’s price cap changes take effect this Sunday, 13 per cent higher than last year’s costs, NEA analysis found.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “We recognise the cost-of-living challenges families are facing and spent £40 billion paying around half a typical household’s energy bill last winter.

“While energy prices are falling, our energy price guarantee remains in place to protect people until April next year.

“We are also providing additional targeted support for the most vulnerable, with three million households expected to benefit from the £150 warm home discount and millions of vulnerable households will receive up to £900 in further cost-of-living payments.”