Government issues statement following latest devastating Ofgem price cap announcement

The government has issued a statement addressing Friday's announcement that the average household bill will rise by 80 per cent.

Ofgem announced that the energy price cap will soar to £3,549 in October - increasing from £,1971. It means that millions of households across England, Scotland, and Wales which pay for their energy on default tariffs should expect their bills to increase exponentially from October 1.

Many have urged the government to do more to help households cope with high energy bills in the winter while also dealing with a worsening cost of living crisis. The government has now released a statement discussing why the energy price cap increased by so much as well as reminding people that support for bills are available for vulnerable households

READ MORE: BREAKING: Energy price cap will rise to £3,549 in October, Ofgem announces

A government spokesperson said: “We know people are incredibly worried about rising energy bills, following unprecedented gas prices across the continent driven by global events, including Putin’s aggression in Ukraine and his weaponisation of energy in Europe. Direct support will continue to reach people’s pockets in the weeks and months ahead, targeted at those who need it most like low-incomes households, pensioners and those with disabilities.

"As part of our £37 billion package of help for households, one in four of all UK households will see £1,200 extra support, provided in instalments across the year, and everyone will receive a £400 discount on their energy bills over winter. The civil service is also making the appropriate preparations in order to ensure that any additional support or commitments on cost of living can be delivered as quickly as possible when the new