Energy bills hike has already made Reeves’ cost of living package look meaningless
The recent hike in energy bills has overshadowed Chancellor Rachel Reeves' cost of living support package. Ofgem's announcement of a 13 percent rise in the energy price cap has rendered her measures largely ineffective. Critics argue that the package fails to address the pressing issues faced by citizens, particularly rising energy costs.
- ▪Ofgem announced a 13 percent rise in the energy price cap, significantly higher than inflation.
- ▪Chancellor Rachel Reeves' cost of living package included minor measures like free bus travel for under-16s and VAT cuts on summer attractions.
- ▪The lack of substantial measures to address energy bills has led to criticism of Reeves' effectiveness.
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NewsUKUK PoliticsNEWS ANALYSISEnergy bills hike has already made Reeves’ cost of living package look meaninglessPolitical editor David Maddox looks at what Ofgem’s announcement on energy bills means for the chancellorWednesday 27 May 2026 14:45 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2984336","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/energy-bills-hike-reeves-cost-of-living-b2984336.html","title":"Energy bills hike has already made Reeves’ cost of living package look meaningless"},"popoverPlacementOverride":"bottom"}Reeves…
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