Energy plans 'will not help poorest customers' - 19/10/2011
Plans to encourage people in the UK to find cheap energy deals by comparing tariffs and switching payment methods will not help those who are in most need of assistance, it has been stated.
According to Family Action, proposals to encourage customers to pay their gas and electricity bills by Direct Debit will no nothing to aid some of the poorest members of society.
Head of policy and campaigns at the group Rhian Beynon explained: "Some of the most vulnerable families we work with do not have bank accounts because they don't have the income coming in to afford them."
Research from the group suggests five per cent of low-income households fall into this category, which rises to 11 per cent if Post Office Card Accounts are not included.
Ms Beynon said these individuals needs extra financial support in order to avoid facing a choice between heating their home and putting food on the table.
Changing payment methods was one piece of advice issued by the government following this week's energy summit in Downing Street, with policymakers also encouraging people to switch energy supplier to find a cheaper deal.
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