Energy bills set to rise for millions in UK - how to get help in Birmingham

Energy bills are set to rise for millions of households across the UK.

An increase in wholesale gas prices has put additional strain on energy companies faced with shouldering the immediate financial burden, with many going bust as a result.

The amount energy suppliers have paid for gas has significantly increased by 250% since the start of 2021 - and 70% in August 2021 alone - now the price companies can charge consumers is set to rise significantly again.

The energy price cap is the maximum price suppliers can charge customers on a standard or default tariff.

A cold winter across Europe last year, when many spent more time inside than before due to lockdowns, has put pressure on gas supplies.

High levels of demand coupled with lower wind and solar renewable energy outage and planned maintenance work has seen wholesale gas prices soar.

It means that around 15 million households across Britain will be hit with a £178 annual hike on their energy bills as the price cap is set to increase from April.

The price cap is reviewed by regulator Ofgem every six months based on a set of rules.

Experts at research agency Cornwall Insight expect that the price cap will be hiked to £1,455 for the typical household.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced plans to tackle the rising energy bills with a commitment to giving households in council tax bands A to C rebates funded by government grants under targeted measures to help poorer families. You can see how many households are eligible for the rebates by clicking on: Energy bills rebate

How to get help in Birmingham

Families across Birmingham and the West Midlands are expected to be affected by the price rise.

Birmingham Hodge Hill is the worst affected constituency in England for fuel poverty - where more than a quarter of households (27%) are affected.

There are a number of food banks in the city which can help those faced with a choice between heating their homes or eating.

Salma foodbank, the only 24-hour food bank in the West Midlands, based in Smethwick, is vital for many families across Birmingham and beyond.

You can donate to Salma by sending your shopping online, and choosing any major online supermarket, pay for the goods and have them delivered to the food bank’s address.

Salma is also accepting gift cards from Asda, Tesco, Iceland and Farmfoods. Simply buy a gift card that the food bank can use in store to buy food with, and just send to address which can be found on the Salma Foodbank website.

You can also drop food off at the Salma food bank base in Smethwick at Unit 8, Ash Court, Crystal Drive, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 1QG. You can also text them on 07767 164246

To get help from Salma, visit their website, here.

The Feedo Needo charity in Digbeth also now offers essential support for families in Birmingham through free food parcels, essential toiletries and multi-faceted community help.

To make a single or monthly cash donation to the food bank, visit the Feedo Needo website here.

You can also donate groceries and other items at the food bank’s base at Smithfield House, Digbeth.

To volunteer or to get help, visit the Feedo Needo website here

There are nine Food On Our Doorsteps (FOOD) Clubs across Birmingham which offer options for buying food cheaper. You can find out more information on their Facebook page here Family Action

There are also pop up food shops where you can choose how much you pay for food, called Incredible Surplus. For information on the latest sessions go to their website here: Incredible Surplus

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