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Fuel poverty voucher 'under consideration'

A special government voucher to help some of Britain's poorest people pay for their gas and electricity is being considered by ministers, the BBC reports.

Citing internal treasury sources, the broadcaster said that the 'fuel poverty' subsidy was also suggested to heads of energy firms at a private meeting this week.

Recently, providers including market leader British Gas have provoked consumer controversy by announcing increases to general tariffs of 15 per cent.

Research has also revealed that four million Britons are currently counted as 'fuel poor' - meaning that they spend over ten per cent of their income on gas and electricity bills.

This puts the squeeze on budgets, leaving less money for food spending as well as credit card and loan repayments and making spiralling debt more likely.

The treasury declined to comment on the voucher itself or what additional fuel poverty commitments will be made by the government in the Budget next week.

A spokesman added: "The government has committed to a substantial programme to alleviate fuel poverty, including £2.3 billion for energy efficiency in low-income households over the next three years."

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