Statement following today's energy price cap announcement

Following today’s energy price cap review by Ofgem, West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, has released the following statement.

“Today’s energy price cap increase means one third of people in West Yorkshire will have nothing left of their monthly income after paying for their gas, electricity and other essentials like housing, travel, and food.  

“That is appalling and shocking when we have the world’s fifth largest economy. The government has yet to respond to this in any meaningful way and that is a dereliction of their duty to protect the most vulnerable in our society. 

“But it’s not just households that are struggling. Businesses across West Yorkshire have told me about the challenges they are facing with energy price rises, with those in energy intensive industries particularly hard hit. The public sector and charities are not immune from this either, making the wider cost-of-living crisis much worse.

“Every political leader has a responsibility here, which is why I'm slashing single bus fares to £2 from next month and capping daily travel at £4.50, saving passengers up to £500 a year. I’m also working with our local councils to make homes more energy efficient, saving households up to £1,000, while they deliver on the ground to help foodbanks weather the storm.

“I urge the Government to work with mayors and local leaders and further empower us to make a difference in our towns and cities. The Prime Minister, Chancellor and leadership candidates must come together immediately to announce three things:  a freeze in the energy price cap, a Universal Credit uplift to shield the most vulnerable, and support for businesses which have no price cap to protect them.

“We need action now. We need a proper response to the cost-of-living crisis to protect people and communities in West Yorkshire, and across the country.”