Martin Lewis attacks 'energy poll tax' keeping bills high but offers July 4 standing charges hope

During the cost of living crisis, households across the country have been forced to pay considerable daily charges to their gas and electricity providers, whether they use any energy or not. This adds hundreds to bills every quarter and punishes those who try to keep their energy expenses low by consciously limiting their energy usage.

Financial expert Martin Lewis has strongly criticised these standing charges, dubbing them an "energy poll tax" that continues following the severe fuel price increase that occurred after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He explains that household bills are determined based on the energy price cap, rather than actual consumption.

After the release of the Labour manifesto, Martin Lewis went on X to elucidate what each significant party plans to do to mitigate this energy poll tax and offer a sliver of optimism. He declared: "I'm pleased now BOTH Labour and Conservatives have said the level of standing charges is too high", reports the Mirror.

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The Money Saving Expert founder has consistently been in discussions with the Government and rival parties on a wide array of subjects from problems with Carer's Allowance to how politicians can help households manage the cost of living crisis. It seems Mr Lewis could have had a hand in both major parties' offerings to the nation.

Martin Lewis has revealed that he's been in contact with senior figures from both major political parties regarding his campaign to reduce energy bills. He stated: "I've had very senior contact from both to say they've seen the campaigning I've been doing and will focus on it if elected.

"Eg. In today's Lab manifesto it