The current administration was elected to aid families in managing living expenses, and that remains our steadfast commitment. The rise in energy costs is a significant worry for households nationwide. The primary factor behind these high bills is the continued surge in wholesale gas prices, which are still 75% above pre-Ukraine invasion levels. This surge reflects the additional costs borne by families, businesses, and the overall economy due to fossil fuels. To ensure a lasting reduction in energy costs, it is imperative to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels and markets controlled by petrostates and autocrats.
Our government’s core objective is to regain control by promoting clean, domestically sourced energy. Each installation of solar panels, construction of wind turbines, and decision on nuclear power contributes to increasing our locally generated clean energy supply. As we work toward lowering energy bills sustainably, we are dedicated to making decisions that support families and reduce expenses. This winter, nearly three million more families will receive a £150 reduction on their bills through the Warm Home Discount, benefiting a total of six million households.
This initiative is just the beginning. Our forthcoming Warm Homes Plan will outline strategies to upgrade five million homes nationwide, resulting in reduced bills. This plan also includes new energy efficiency standards for renters in council and private homes, benefiting a significant number of individuals. In addition, the Great British Energy project is assisting in reducing energy costs for 200 local schools and hospitals by installing solar panels, thus freeing up funds for essential services.
In contrast, our political opponents, Reform and the Conservatives, aim to impede or halt our clean energy plans, leaving the country vulnerable to the same fossil fuels that precipitated the cost of living crisis and subjecting us to the whims of autocrats like Putin. Furthermore, Reform’s endorsement of fracking, a move that does not alleviate financial burdens and faces strong opposition across Britain, is concerning.
Our government is dedicated to easing the burden on working individuals at every turn. We have increased the minimum wage, expanded transportation benefits, extended free school meal programs, and are introducing free breakfast clubs for all children through our Plan for Change. Every decision we make is geared toward supporting the working population. On matters of energy bills and security, we are actively pursuing our objectives and will persevere until we achieve success.