Ofgem has today announced that the energy price cap will rise by 5% from January for the first quarter of 2024.
After the energy regulator brought the average annual household energy bill to below £2,000 for the first time since April 2022 with its last announcement back in August for the final quarter of 2023, Ofgem has just announced this morning that the energy price cap will unfortunately be rising once the new year rolls around.
The energy price cap is – which is updated every quarter throughout the year – sets a maximum that can be charged to customers for energy bills.
From 1 January 2024, the price cap will increase by 5% on the previous quarter to 31 March, which means that, for an average household paying by direct debit for dual fuel, this equates to £1,928 and a rise of £94 over the course of a year.
The 5% rise also means the average household could be spending around £7.83 extra on bills a month.
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The quarterly energy Price Cap will change from 1 January 2024.
With the rising cost of living crisis sadly continuing the make its impact felt nationwide, the energy price cap increase is sure to mean thousands of Brits will be facing another difficult winter.
According to Ofgem, today’s price cap increase is driven almost-entirely by rising costs in the international wholesale energy market, and is due to “market instability” and “global events” – particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Ofgem’s announcement of the energy price cap rise comes only a few months after a shocking survey by Which? found that nearly nine in 10 (85%) British households admitted to trying to cut back on their energy usage due to rising bills putting significant financial, physical, and emotional strains on consumers.
The same survey also revealed that 13 million Brits didn’t put their heating on when it got cold last winter, as they claimed they were just “too scared” to do so.
Ofgem announces energy price cap will rise by 5% to £1,928 from January / Credit: Pxhere
Ofgem says its “priority” is to “protect consumers” and “ensure they pay a fair price for their energy” this winter.
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“This is a difficult time for many people, and any increase in bills will be worrying,” Ofgem’s CEO Jonathan Brearley commented on the price cap announcement today, “But this rise is a result of the wholesale cost of gas and electricity rising, which needs to be reflected in the price that we all pay.
“It is important that customers are supported and we have made clear to suppliers that we expect them to identify and offer help to those who are struggling with bills.
The Price Cap sets a limit on the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity you use, including the daily standing charge.
Today we have announced what the price cap will be from 1 January 2024.
“We are also seeing the return of choice to the market, which is a positive sign.
“Customers could benefit from shopping around with a range of tariffs now available offering the security of a fixed rate or a more flexible deal that tracks below the price cap.”
Mr Brearley added that people should “weigh up all the information” and “seek independent advice” from trusted sources, all while consider what’s “most important” for them – whether that’s the lowest price, or the security of a fixed deal.
The next quarterly energy price cap announcement covering April – June 2024 is expected to be made next February, Ofgem has confirmed.
Featured Image – Pxhere
News
Government grants local councils power to make pavement parking illegal in their region
Emily Sergeant
New powers are being made available to local leaders across England to introduce pavement parking restrictions in their area.
Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, and older people, and campaigners say this limits individuals’ independence and makes everyday journeys harder and less safe for them.
So, in a bid to help keep pavements clear and accessible for everyone who uses them, the Government has introduced new local powers.
Following a public consultation – which first took place all the way back in 2020 – the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that local leaders will be given ‘new and improved’ legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas, rather than relying on the previous approach where action was often limited to individual streets.
The Government has granted local councils the power to make pavement parking illegal in their region / Credit: Samuel Regan-Asante (via Unsplash)
The Government says local leaders ‘know their streets best’ and are therefore best placed to respond to local needs.
Under this new approach, local leaders will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area, while still getting to retain flexibility where they deem pavement parking may still be acceptable.
“Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person,” commented Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood.
Blocked pavements can make it harder for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and blind or partially sighted people to get around.
That’s why we’re giving local authorities stronger powers to tackle pavement parking and keep pavements accessible. https://t.co/PIqkIw1LF2
“That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.”
By putting decision-making closer to communities, the Government says this approach supports safer and more inclusive streets that ‘work better for everyone’.
The DfT will set out guidance to help local authorities use these powers in a ‘proportionate’ and ‘locally appropriate’ way later in 2026.
Featured Image – Sado Lavren (via Unsplash)
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Ian McKellen to play legendary Salford artist L.S. Lowry in new BBC documentary
Emily Sergeant
Sir Ian McKellen has landed himself an exciting new role, and he’s set to play one of Greater Manchester’s most iconic sons.
One of the most celebrated British actors of all time playing one of the most celebrated British artists of all time? It was meant to be. That’s right, Ian McKellen is set to portray Salford’s very-own L.S. Lowry in the new BBC documentary, L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes, produced by award-winning Wall to Wall Mediaand coming soon to BBC Two and iPlayer.
Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, this immersive documentary film will focus on the touching and often surprising exchange between the enigmatic artist and Angela Barratt – a young fan whose interviews capture Lowry in his most intimate and reflective moments.
Recorded in the artist’s own living room, these tapes reveal Lowry’s authentic voice, which Burnley-born actor McKellen will lip-sync on screen.
Across these candid conversations, Lowry traces his journey from childhood right through to his final days, sharing the memories and experiences that shaped him both as an artist, and crucially, as a man.
Alongside this deeply personal account, the documentary is also set to explore the dramatic transformation of Salford and Greater Manchester, which Lowry, of course, depicted so prolifically in his work.
“To give play to Lowry through his own voice has been a unique privilege,” commented Ian McKellen as his casting was announced this week.
“These tapes reveal an intimate insight into the artist’s thoughts – his ambitions, regrets and his humour. Anyone like me, who admires his paintings and drawings, will be intrigued and delighted that the artist is brought back to life through his own words.”
Mark Bell, who is the Commissioning Editor at BBC Arts, added: “Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, and celebrating Arena’s own 50-year tradition of ambitious, intelligent storytelling, this film comes at a very special moment.
“The inspired casting of Ian McKellen and Annabel Smith feels like life imitating art in the best possible way. But this film isn’t just about the life of the artist, it also provides an insight into the realities of urban life in Greater Manchester in the 20th century.”
L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes is directed by James Kent, following his recent Emmy win for Lost Boys and Fairies, with executive producer Morgana Pugh, and producer Hannah Mirsky.
Further broadcast details will be announced in due course.
Featured Image – BBC / Wall to Wall Media Ltd / Connor Harris
Emily Sergeant -
23rd November 2023 
