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Sun, 01 Nov 2026

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 Energy bills help 'doesn't go far enough'

Families in the West Midlands say they are worried about paying winter energy bills.

* A Redditch mum, Kelly Birkett, said that despite the government's £100 "household energy payment", her family would still be struggling to pay their bills this winter.
* She argued that the payment is just a drop in the ocean and won't make much of a difference to their finances.
* The Birketts are already considering cutting back on non-essential expenses, such as eating out or heating their home, to stay afloat this winter.
* Another West Midlands resident, Mark Sumner, said that he and his wife sold their previous home to clear old debts incurred from energy bills.
* He expressed concerns about falling into "energy debt" again and is worried about the upcoming winter.
* Sumner said that the £100 payment will only cover one month of bills and won't be enough to make a significant difference to their finances.
* Chancellor John Healey claimed that the measures announced in the Budget, including the energy payment, will give families "breathing space" despite concerns from residents like Birkett and Sumner.