Martin Lewis's instant reaction to the Chancellor's cost of living support package

[@davman115]

Martin, thank you for speaking out for those of us who are often blamed for our own poverty.

[@FAFash-wo9yg]

Honestly! He is for the people... truly!

[@TulipB89]

Because at some point people have to take responsibility for their spending and learn to live within their means. People have to learn you can’t have the latest phone and tv packages

[@davidhooper1767]

@@TulipB89 That old chestnut again! It's so worn out it's practically see through.

[@petelovesbevsills]

@@davidhooper1767 TRIPLE amen to that! The only people that have the latest phones and TV packages that I know are all VERY wealthy. I have yet to meet a person on Pension Credits who is remotely interested in any of those luxuries. Heating and food are their priorities!

[@girlgeeker5683]

@@TulipB89 oh shut up you clueless sheep

[@stephenrichards5386]

The standing charge, which is unearned income for power providers, is 20% of my electricity bill. This is criminal. Stop it.

[@jmills1549]

Have to agree....

[@ladygardener100]

No, it's not, if you are in business you pay less per unit but you have to pay for the supply infrastructure. For example, when I had a small shop I needed a better supply, that was £700, (20 years ago) and it took two guys a day, that was it, they had to dig up a small bit of road and replace the line. This is the sort of thing you don't pay on domestic power,, the road is dug up and the cost is spread over years and over everyone' bill

[@stephenrichards5386]

@@ladygardener100 If you want to build yourself a house any distance from the nearest infrastructure you pay and pay dearly even if it's 50 metres. You are totally incorrect. Costs for domestic infrastructure can range from £1800 to infinity. You are be very insular in your view.

[@yips_way]

It's over 30% of my electricity bill. Likely a lot more for lower users. Will work out less in winter with more use but nice for energy companies that they doubled it in the warmer/lighter months so it's easy money for them. I still pay for gas even though I haven't used it for months as I only use to oven cook now & again so that is currently 100% of my gas bill but at least the standing charge didn't double in April. Next cap I'm going to see about disconnection if it isn't an insane amount to do. As for windfall tax, why are they making huge profits still?...why can't ofgem do their job properly & set a realistic cap so that there isn't high scale profiteering. Just reduce/remove the standing charges & set the cap to the unit rate - the REAL cost unit rate + a sensible overhead, not rate plus lots of profit.

[@stephenrichards5386]

@@yips_way it's the power generators that are making the big money. They charge the distributors exorbitant amounts. That's why a huge number of distributors has gone bust. In my case the distribution is done by the generator, Scottish Power, and they really are bad. Appalling service, high standing charge, high unit cost and all of hits the poor hardest. They disgust me.

[@spokes1018]

I think the huge leap in the standing charge is wrong, they talk about reducing energy consumption to save on bills but the amount you pay has increased irrespective if you use the energy or not!

[@stephenrichards5386]

The standing charge must be scrapped. There is no reason for such high charges.

[@roberthuntley1090]

@@stephenrichards5386 The standing charge has gone up massively to cover the costs of transferring consumers (without loss of service) from the 30+ failed companies that were allowed to enter the market. Blamed Ofgem for the poor supervision of these companies. You will pay one way or another - either through the standing charge, or through your taxes if the government had stepped in to cover these costs. Another element is your payment towards the Warm Home Discount; when you hear a politician waffling on about how great this is, remember that you help to fund it.

[@spokes1018]

@@roberthuntley1090 I totally agree, all the green levies, direct and indirect taxation accounts for about a quarter of energy bills. I don't see why we should be footing the bill for wind farms for companies to profit from them and sell the energy back to the people who paid for them.

[@ejbh3160]

@@spokes1018 The green levies are what fund all the insulation grants and those measures save more than they cost.

[@michaelinkster4977]

That is a very good point. I’ve just looked at the Standing Charge for a letting property that I have and it is over 50p a day which is not far off £200 per annum and that’s just for having the ability to use electricity, if desired. It basically adds insult to injury and surely has nothing to do with the wholesale price of electricity. Profiteering, pure and simple. They’ve just offered me a fixed rate deal of in excess of 38p per kilowatt hour plus VAT on a 12 month contract in addition to that the Standing Charge. This is outrageous. I have another three bedroom letting property with tenants in it and I am paying the electricity charges. The average over last month works out to be almost £150 per week! That’s £7,800 pa FFS.

[@Cam_MacDonald]

Your a top guy Martin, you and your team looked out for everyone when our government didn’t. I think a big thanks is due to you from all of the uk. 👍🏼

[@rafchurchlawford4469]

*You're 🙄

[@Cam_MacDonald]

@@rafchurchlawford4469 seriously? I’m saying thanks to the guy and his team for helping the uk and “you’re” taking a jibe at my punctuation 🤣. You sad little person!

[@oldbootneck]

@@Cam_MacDonald Yep, certainly second the thanks to Martin and his team for keeping people informed, advised and helped where they were able. As for the punctuation comment; there's always one that needs to make themselves feel better!

[@SA-ff9uc]

He looks more like a bottom.

[@Cam_MacDonald]

@@oldbootneck 🤣 cheers buddy. I worry about some people these days 👍🏼

[@jeanprince9883]

Thank you Martin for caring enough to want to help people at this tough time.

[@shuaibafzal6042]

Legend Martin Lewis. Almost single handedly saved millions of people from difficulty. And many many lives!

[@TheAnonyy]

Lets face it the cash payments mean that some people will waste the money, so they will be back in dire situations once it's all gone.

[@googlecontrolled]

Martin Lewis just ensured the government get two lots of tax on the same money when the energy companies put the prices up again and you have to give it to pay your bill plus vat.

[@shuaibafzal6042]

@@TheAnonyy coz you’ve spoken to all 8 million people to know that’s true? 🙄

[@russellnewton6660]

@@TheAnonyy why bother then eh.

[@ericbown1551]

@@googlecontrolled It’s not even slight of hand, people are so stupid. Lol we are paying for it. Martin L is bloody stupid, the corrupt government need to cancel the green tax, concentrate on energy independence.

[@ivornappinion9406]

This is a man that could of retired a long time ago and left us all overpaying for everything, I'd love to buy this guy a pint :)

[@ivornappinion9406]

@@trevorling2739 Deffinately trev and priminister of the UK

[@senseofthecommonman]

It also happens to make him a very large amount of money, so you need to keep things in perspective.

[@ivornappinion9406]

@@senseofthecommonman Worth every carrot unlike footballers IMO

[@michaelinkster4977]

I’m not to sure that this is altruistic behaviour. I think it increases his profile and that helps with his media career, surely!?

[@derickjude7188]

@@michaelinkster4977 Oh please, he could do nothing for the public and still make money! What is your contribution, besides a snidey whinge, hey!

[@AshleyDukes]

Well done Martin for banging the drum so hard and not stopping. Many people will get the help they need. I've no doubt it you've made the government think long and hard about how to help. Never stop being a thorn in their side!

[@michaelflamingsword3131]

So they first took it from us and now they pretend they give it back to us. My economics teacher always said, from the breast pocket to the trousers pocket and visa versa.

[@R1chardH]

@@michaelflamingsword3131 if u look at the budget deficit and bebt I think you will find there not taking from us. We are taking from our grandchildren....again.... Why cry on Twitter for everything but aren't willing to pay for it. There is no such thing as personal responsibility anymore.

[@michaelflamingsword3131]

@@R1chardH That too. Its literally taking money from the future brought into the present. But it will be taken from you, your kids, your grand kids. Correct.

[@klmac3721]

Thank you Martin. Your persistence is much appreciated.

[@chips1889]

Thanks Rishi.

[@klmac3721]

@@chips1889 Rishi will be getting 3 x £400 - one for each of his houses. I think Rishi is thanking himself. 😉🤨

[@chips1889]

@@klmac3721 Yes he will and has already told us he will return the money. What about the rich people in Labour?

[@klmac3721]

@@chips1889 you mentioned Rishi, I responded about Rishi.

[@chips1889]

@@klmac3721 I reply with ...pillock.....and I do mean you mate.

[@gavinbroughton]

"I spoke to him on the phone on Monday" Let's cut to the chase and make Martin Chancellor!

[@SevenEllen]

@@trevorling2739 I'm like to see him replace our clown of a PM!

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

You wouldn't like him them. The Chancellor unlike Martin has to work within constraints, there is no magic money tree.

[@emmaloubudgets]

Thank you so much Martin. As someone with disabilities I have already started turning off some of my equipment as it is getting difficult to pay for it all. Hopefully I will be able to switch on again soon 🙏🏼 I honestly think we should be seeing a SIR MARTIN LEWIS 💜

[@mda5003]

Far more worthy of a Knighthood than some I could mention......

[@michaelinkster4977]

The £1500 annual increase, based on your analogy, is in fact representative of bills being more than doubled in a matter of months. That is outrageous.

[@khf8335]

This disgusting government don't give a damn about those who have to decide between eating or heating. Utterly disgusting.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

So, the same as every other government then.

[@nativeenglishpaul2836]

It's good that they did this. But It's sad that they seem to be doing it only as a distraction.

[@tanseygreen291]

Yep dont look at boris look over here

[@Signals927]

Pathetic comment it has nothing to do with distraction.

[@YUDNSAY]

@@Signals927 Really?

[@nativeenglishpaul2836]

@@Signals927 why didn't they do it 5 months ago then? Must be a coincidence that the sue grey report came out yesterday. Silly me.

[@jaktag]

@@Signals927 of course it has to do with distraction.

[@Horizon344]

Why didn't they just lower the energy price cap & let the power companies/shareholders take the hit rather than the tax-payer?

[@Moon-Hare]

Totally agree.

[@westwalian1018]

It seems tempting but perhaps they were concerned at the number of energy companies that have folded recently. At the end of the day we need electricity.

[@hannahmiles1324]

Hear hear....greedy bastards

[@worldofrandometry6912]

It's a farce even calling it a 'cap' when it just gets moved upwards constantly.

[@pippaDlightful]

100%!!!

[@Thirdfish]

Well done Martin. Life saver for many people.

[@jamesblower3301]

NOT FOR WORKERS IS IT WORKERS PAYING AGAIN

[@Thirdfish]

@@jamesblower3301 All households get £400 rebate.

[@pieperkie]

@@jamesblower3301 what do you mean?!

[@oioi5794]

And a leech for others ,another tv actor working for the banks and big business. ppl who watch brain numbing tv love this sort shyte there to easily let by a square screen

[@stevegoforit.9912]

The electricity companies need to be forced to abolish the standing charge so they need to sell energy to make money because at the moment they can just sit back and make a profit.

[@johnstonlee]

Yeah so the price cap comes in, energy companies fill their shortfall with increase in standing charge.

[@adzz6467]

Just rig your electric 🤣

[@kevinseddon6860]

Martin...you and your team are AWESOME. Thanks so much for all you do and more importantly, the hope you bring us.

[@michaelflamingsword3131]

So they first took it from us and now they pretend they give it back to us. My economics teacher always said, from the breast pocket to the trousers pocket and visa versa.

[@nbamford03]

Can someone explain to me how the energy suppliers are allowed to get away with horrific price increases and the UK taxpayer is expected to foot the bill with all of these grants? This is not money from 'the government' - it is the money that is paid by us to the government in taxes.

[@xowaspxowasp5772]

Exactly

[@richm2835]

Is the inflation ,, we are witnessing now it's self a form of tax, not caused by all the Billions of £ & $ brought into existence to fund furlough, bail out businesses forced to close and everything else over the last two years ?

[@patrickblue3813]

Tell that to the politicians who get their wages and get to keep 100% of it and then also get their expenses paid for by the UK taxpayer Unlike all the rest of us who have to use wages that we get to survive the politicians don' have to touch theirs, they just save it up or invest it

[@donstratton6343]

In other words, the people in charge demonstrated incompetence in their first plan. Well done, though.

[@ericbown1551]

And continue, it’s all by design. Cancel the green tax !

[@EgoShredder]

@@ericbown1551 Yep UN Agenda 2030 a.k.a. New Green Deal or "Sustainable Development Goals". Pure psychopathic evil when you look into it with a critical eye.

[@ericbown1551]

@@EgoShredder Agreed….follow the money.

[@24017460]

Lets be honest of gem is not fit for purpose. ofgem released the price cap and there was a free for all with rip offs from the energy company's.. only person we should be thankful to is martin he is a top guy

[@michaelflamingsword3131]

Soooo they first took it from us and now they pretend they give it back to us. My economics teacher always said, from the breast pocket to the trousers pocket and visa versa.

[@LightingJedi]

Actually had Boris and his scum cronies done the job of fixing our energy increase like France & Germany did at the right time to no more than a 4/5% increase we wouldn’t be in this big of a mess.. OFGEM it’s not the ombudsman job to go the governments job .. thank god for Martin!!

[@AC-id5ow]

Could have been avoided had the government done a proper risk assessment of relying on a global energy supply and realised they need to focus more on localised energy supply.

[@monk3yboy69]

Nationalise the utilities. Job done. No shareholders to pay…… Big saving. SSE has declared a profit of £1BN That’s 1 billion pounds. They are going to pay a dividend of 68pence per share. So now you can see where the money is going. Come on Mr Lewis, it’s time you call for nationalisation.

[@Rid3thetig3r]

@@monk3yboy69 Yes, because the NHS is cheap as chips to run, no waste of resources there at all...nationalised industries are wasteful and magnets for the mediocre.

[@EgoShredder]

They're signed up and obligated to adhere to the United Nations Agenda 2030 a.k.a. New Green Deal or "Sustainable Development Goals". Hence why Boris gave a speech to them wearing his Agenda 2030 badge on his suit in late 2019. For years now the UN has been the global government that controls all other governments, and why we dance to their tune.

[@GrahamRead101]

@@monk3yboy69 it just doesn’t work like that I’m afraid. For one thing it results in less investment - publically owners utilities have a terrible investment record as they can’t borrow on the commercial markets and their surplus gets siphoned off into the treasury.

[@Cosmic-lover293]

Yep, and energy storage too. Unbelievable we have hardly any!

[@HighHoeKermit]

It makes absolute sense that the Government should turn to Martin for this... so much sense that I'm shocked it actually happened! This is what integrity looks like and I wish all matters were advised on by someone whose primary concern is the people, rather than power and personal gain.

[@rachelhoward334]

Shouldn't governments have their finger on the pulse without being forced into looking after the people?

[@welditmick]

So - What happens next year and the year after that? Bills will still have to be paid.

[@HighHoeKermit]

@@rachelhoward334 In an ideal world yes, but given the government has failed to have their fingers on any pulses other than their own for the last few years, turning to someone who made it his life's work to know the consumer market inside out was probably a good move.

[@HighHoeKermit]

@@welditmick Not sure what answer you were hoping for without the use of a crystal ball, but I'd rather they kick the can down the road than leave it where it is. Allowing certain sectors to profit massively from government mandates whilst the masses suffer had to be addressed one way or another. Long term energy solutions are required but people need help now too and any breathing space is better than none.

[@thorhalfthor4882]

United Nations Agenda 21!

[@Hope-un5wv]

Pre-payment meters should be on a same single domestic rate. Only one domestic rate for all homes. Cut the cost of fuel delivery to our homes.

[@tcc4329]

pre payment can't be on same rate for obvious reasons

[@tonystock856]

And why all of the different rates across the country, should be only one rate for everyone.

[@Hope-un5wv]

@@tcc4329 why?

[@petelattimer6808]

@@tcc4329 if anything it should be cheaper as they CANNOT run up a bill then disappear without paying the bills, unlike credit meters. you dont go to the supermarket and eat your food before you pay for it, so why should gas/electric be any different? its not like you can hand it back if you dont pay for it, unlike, for example, a car.

[@nickgray4129]

Well said. Pre payment meters hit those can least afford these exorbitant rates. It’s unfair and as such NOT the British way.

[@vheverett]

Thanks Martin, that's very clear. You should setup a party for energy reform and stand at the next Parliament.... You would be a shoe in.

[@ericbown1551]

Hmmmm like putting a plaster 🩹 on severed limb . Stupidity knows no bounds…cancel the green tax…and set up “operation uk energy independence”

[@shalinivarma237]

@@ericbown1551 yes and do something w Vat but bojo has said they arent cancelling the green levies from bills.

[@ericbown1551]

@@shalinivarma237 It’s ok Bojo, we just want to feed our families and heat the home…a 54% increase in October apparently..just when those radiators need to be used. What a corrupt government….

[@chrishart8548]

@@ericbown1551 bet most won't turn the heating on at all !

[@ericbown1551]

@@chrishart8548 The pensioners especially, they have the old school thinking that you have to pay bills. Let’s hope it not a severe winter, this political class are so corrupt.

[@Melanie_Star]

Thank you so much Martin. Hearing all this is a great relief indeed!

[@cloggsy1971]

Martin Lewis for Chancellor 🙏🏻

[@westwalian1018]

PM I think...

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

If he was you wouldn't like him. Unlike Martin the Chancellor has to work within constraints that Martin doesn't. For Martin to praise Sunak is high praise indeed.

[@MartynHutchby]

And people living hand to mouth will spend that as soon as it comes in - as they will have to - and then when the electric bills falls due they will not have the money available to pay it.

[@Finglesham]

Dangerous giving cash in a lump sum. Straight to the bookies/drug dealer/ boozer. You know that there are million of irresponsible people out there.

[@richardjones8699]

@@Finglesham yeah, there will be some straight round to the Coop 8-till-late with a wheelie bag to fill it up with booze for a party I'm sure.

[@dean9235]

@@Finglesham but the majority will use it sensibly

[@tinalewis9529]

Omg Martin Lewis, your an absolute angel!!!!

[@billyrattlesticks6949]

Thanks Martin, once again, you break things down into clear and easy to understand lumps so we don't have to rely on the jargon and waffle we get from MP's. It's so helpful and really appreciated, cheers :)

[@1watsonwatson]

The root cause of the inflation we're suffering from is the government's reaction to COVID. The lockdown crushed aggregate supply; thousands of firms were forced to shut their doors, and many of these firms went out of business, which permanently reduced the productive capacity of the economy. That on its own would have caused inflation. However, to add fuel to the fire, the government also asked the Bank of England to print hundreds of billions of pounds to finance insane 'help' schemes, such as furlough. All this money was spent, which added to aggregate demand. Result? You've guessed it: inflation, and lots of it! This latest round of help will also be financed by money printing, which will cause an even more dramatic rise in inflation. You don't solve a supply-side crisis by printing money. The cost of lockdown crisis will eventually lead to a currency crisis, quickly followed by an economic & then a societal collapse. Martin Lewis is part of the problem. He works for people who want Central Bank Digital Currencies to come in after sterling has been hyperinflated into oblivion kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3uVnWCpf7ppeM0

[@judebrown4103]

It's great to be able to say a sincere thank you for all you do Martin. I've been watching you on This Morning forever and seeing your passion and distress when you realised you'd run out of options to help people over the price cap rise was one of the most touching things I've seen. Bless you for trying so hard to help us. 🙏👍

[@spice3767]

What was the BS we was fed the last 2 years….”build back better” sorry how does unaffordable energy bills, ni increases, real inflation at what 20, 30%…? and concerns over food shortages make anything better….?

[@isabelrankin6721]

Build back better, after depopulation. The Georgia guide stone.

[@shirleyn546]

Thank you Martin, for caring about normal people

[@suziequzie26]

The long and short of it is that this is making people more and more reliant on the state. It is not the solution.

[@anafael1]

Yep.

[@spencer2721]

Nail on the head! To get inflation down unfortunately at some point people have to feel some pain, but Martin wants the government to keep giving out free money bizarre, making it worse long term!

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Its designed as a short term fix in response to an extra ordinary situation. Perhaps some people should make the extra effort to improve themselves so they can earn a higher salary ? Pretty radical I know !

[@suziequzie26]

@@jjefferyworboys8138 😂😂😂 Rachel Maclean...is that you??

[@alexdwebba]

Thank you Martin for everything youre doing 💪

[@senseofthecommonman]

Much as I like Martin, I did smile at the way he said Sunak did everything he told him to. Unfortunately Martin seems to have missed one important point. 25% green levy’s and vat on every bill, obviously as he is part of MSM he can’t go against the climate agenda. Even Germany with greens actually in power have removed this rubbish. Technically I can afford the increase, but why should we be putting an extra £1500 straight in the pocket of the power companies. What needs addressing is the bill itself not finding a way to pay it. And we all sit passively as we literally have money stolen from us.

[@GrahamRead101]

The irony is that renewable energy is cheaper. It’s fossil fuels pushing the price up. We need a reformed energy market where renewable power is costed fairly - listen to the ceo of corpus energy, he makes some very interesting points on this.

[@davidashley4386]

If , since the energy cap has been raised energy suppliers are making massive profit’s surely that means the way the cap is calculated is totally floored and needs to be reformed as it’s ineffective. It would be more cost effective to lower the energy price cap than giving people money back but not as headline grabbing. THIS IS A BRIBE ! Martin THANK YOU for your years of sound advice, you deserve the money you earn as you put in such hard work and useful advice.

[@chrispierce4003]

Thank you Martin, for both championing the cause to the Government, and for this clear explanation of the support package 👍👍

[@drstrangelove4998]

Scrap standing charges, these are absurd, old fashioned and indefensible.

[@himoffthequakeroatbox4320]

I can understand there being something to cover their fixed costs, but with technology those costs are going down not up. It's become a license to print money.

[@mrgee9530]

I couldn’t believe how much the standing charges went up last time, robbing b

[@TheSideboom]

Great News Martin I Couldn't wish more from a Withington Lad, Now as I'm on disability allowance and EESA and sick to death of hiding under my duvet as i have been scared to put my heating on.

[@davidcousins5493]

How about Martin for P.M. Great job Martin, thank you for all your hard work.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

As PM you can't always do things that are popular !

[@ianchamberlain1631]

Now he needs to raise the personal allowance to at least £15,000 Per year (or more) which will allow people to keep more of the money they earn.

[@paulgregory4102]

Yes when you spend it you pay 20 percent v a t

[@glassmuxxic]

Which public services or projects are you happy to see cut to make up for the lost revenue? (given the tax rate for middle and higher earners is at a record high and borrowing is not feasible in an environment of rising rates)

[@ianchamberlain1631]

@@glassmuxxic I've no idea what 'projects' the Government are funding that could be cut but the amount of money spent on the 'boat people', Foreign aid etc would be a start. As you say, the tax rate is at an all time high for middle & high earners so I'm sure they would welcome more money in their monthly salaries if the personal allowance was raised. A very complicated subject though and I'll be the first to admit I'm no financial expert but I feel we are taxed until we squeak in this Country.

[@glassmuxxic]

@@ianchamberlain1631 I agree, but that's my point. There's daily bleating in the news about every man and their dog needing a handout or an increase in funding, government 'helping hands' for any and all external shocks - all the while growth and productivity are stagnant, taxes are high, borrowing is no longer cheap. I certainly agree with you that letting people decide what to do with their money is better than taxing them to death - but I think the expectation of ever expanding government support and services has now been set in stone, and there's no other way to pay for them.

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

@@glassmuxxic Raise the upper rates of income tax, thus putting more of the taxation burden where it belongs, on those who can afford it.

[@flannel2699]

Thanks Martin, for you're honesty, clarity and more recently your persistent protest and direct action. You're a lifesaver (literally I should think..)

[@alanpreece5940]

You do brilliant work there is no doubt but equally if Sue Gray had not published her report Boris and Rishi would not have felt the need to buy the public. This has happened so many times and we keep buying it.

[@ypatel1070]

💯

[@davidhooper1767]

Hasn't bought me they're still scum sucking pondlife.Hope people remember that at the next election.

[@gangsta2197]

He literally just said they were planning on it being in July and you’ve ignored that to complain how can problems be talked about if people like you repeatedly bring up your own conspiracy’s backed by your own beliefs

[@davidhooper1767]

@@gangsta2197 They're entitled to their opinion.Also after all the lies they've told the public why should people believe them?

[@yorkshiregal]

Thank you Martin, you are our champion 👏👏

[@richardjones8699]

I'm quite grateful to Sue Gray too.

[@61kells]

Thank you for all your hard work. Truly the peoples champion. 🏆

[@bunnydamani5345]

I have a lot of respect for you as you are trying to help everyone. Thank you for your tips and help

[@mrsdanvers9562]

If the energy companies are making large profits why have the cost of gas and electricity increased. Also why hasn't the standing charge been abolished, it is just an iniquitous stealth tax.

[@girlgeeker5683]

the standing charge increase is because when all those small energy companies went bankrupt there was a massive amount of debt transferred from them to ofgem then ofgem transferred those debts to bigger companies, to pay off that debt the government and ofgem agreed to increase the standing charges so that every household paid that debt off

[@derickjude7188]

Do you really need to ask!! They are using a crisis, in this case war etc, to slap higher prices on, just to make even more profit. Fact!!

[@patrickblue3813]

I would suggest you look around for a energy company that has a tariff / tariffs that does not have any standing charges One I have been with for past 2+ years does not charge a standing charge, only pay for energy that is actually used The big 6 are normally the worst ones to be with

[@disct1597]

I am doing ok and was not struggling but THANKS Martin from the bottom of my heart for helping persuade our out of touch government to help the poorest and squeezed. I clap my hands to you and I’m sure millions will join me. 👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏. ❤️

[@engima3196]

Thank you Martin, you're a big help to so many people. 🙏🏽👌🏽

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

A heart felt thank you Martin , from all of us . Keep up the good work . You're a star !

[@suzannenichol6077]

This does not help people like us who are on a low annual salary but do not claim any benefits. The £400 will not help us much. We are on pay as you go meters and i am a waspi woman who lost out on pension i am 65 have to wait till next year for state pension.

[@stephenhowe1871]

Always the same unfortunately no help as usual for low paid and minimum wage workers with virtually no disposable income … yes a 400 off there bills however a typical bill will have increased £1600 over the year so in real terms still £1150 worse off … and they say a life on benefits doesn’t pay not much of a difference between minimum wage & benefits

[@SDW3-6-9]

Will the pensionable age also be increased?

[@ladygardener100]

I live on my boat, use logs and diesel for heating. No help there. I'm not on benefits, no help there I'm over 75 but not on benefits because I worked all my life from age of thirteen, and saved for housing. The winter fuel payment is the ONLY benefit I get. Only benefit I have ever had in my lifetime. I don't get council tax benefit. Inflation is ten percent, the pension went up three percent, essentially I am expected to spend my dwindling savings on food and heating, while the idiots in London sink wines and party, and get paid for that, who decided that alcoholics and drunks should run the country.? Absolute scandal. I've been through recessions before, but this time I feel that the lowest income are paying while the others fill their coffers.

[@harrywilliams1961]

I am sure many are in the same boat as you Joe (sorry), I am livid over the £150 allowance,I worked bloody hard all my life and provided my family along with the help of my wife a nice house bought in 1972 I have never received any benefits ever, so why am I along with many other people in their eighties refused this allowance because we live in a band E house. Either side of my family house are much younger people all earning fortunes compared to what I earned and am now living on ,receiving this benefit (and bragging) because their Band is D,Pathetic.

[@Danny-qq5nr]

He lives on a boat

[@SkyEcho7]

👍Thank you for all your hard work, persistence & understanding Martin. Very much appreciated 💞

[@annem5899]

You are a marvel many thanks for all you do .

[@sameagain6524]

Thank you Martin for explaining to us in layman terms 🙏

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

He's very good at that.

[@billyrattlesticks6949]

It baffles me how anyone can give this guy grief. All he does is try to help and protect vulnerable people, tries to get the government to be fair and just and to make sure EVERYONE gets a fair deal in life. HOW is that a bad thing? I've never once met Martin and yet he's got me out of some right scrapes with his help and advice, I've nothing but respect for the man.

[@isildursbane2758]

And when the country is bankrupt because of all the handouts given to solve the problems government creates and there's no money left how will the vulnerable survive then

[@DF-dd5nf]

You are a star Martin Lewis !!!! Thank you soooo very much for helping people like me and many others, I hugely appreciate your kind help and support.

[@kjh789az]

Great work, thanks Martin, for lobbying and explaining.

[@JG-fv9bv]

How about helping Pensioners by NOT taxing pensioners pensions every bloody month/year

[@simonrochester4773]

Hi Martin, Well done you have bought a lot of comfort to a lot of people. The whole energy system needs a radical overhaul. The daily charge needs to be reduced dramatically. Then the should be one charge for the first so many units used then a higher charge for the next amount and so on. So the single person in a small flat will pay overall a smaller charge but people in larger homes with more people in will pay a higher charge. A small energy user the amount they pay as a percentage of there bill the daily charge is greater than higher energy users. We also need to end the green levy for at least a year.

[@selenea7788]

Thank you so much for all of your hard work.

[@jojos853]

Well done Martin,and a big thank you, to you and your team.

[@gordonglass8756]

Relief to most households! God knows how we find ourselves in this colossal mess, but massive thumbs up to Martin. You really have fought hard to relieve the energy price shock pain. Our representative.

[@kimtozer5517]

Thank you so much

[@simoncobb3258]

A big thank you, this will help many people.

[@patmartin9727]

Thank you for all the hard work you put in to help us all to keep are cost of living as low as possible.

[@MikeSnifferpippets]

Now just to wait for the part where I’m not eligible for absolutely any of it yet again no doubt..

[@davidhooper1767]

Everyone is getting the £400 grant in October.

[@hickster222]

Correct. People who get everything for free already, will get the most. Hard working people that aren't well off will just get the 400. Work pays right?

[@davidhooper1767]

@@hickster222 If someone is in receipt of PIP they can be working.The same with Universal Credit too.I think you're a bit confused so have a lie down.

[@hickster222]

I earn very little but am entitled to no benefits whatsoever. How do you get this universal credit and payout then? Could do with an extra 650 on top of the 400. I'm guessing having worked all my life since the 80s must be counting against me?

[@richardjones8699]

@@hickster222 simple answer as that Tory Minister said, work more hours or get a paid paid job.

[@dsvidreed4975]

If the Green Tax was removed the bills would be %20 cheaper. Can anyone honestly say that with all the green tax to help the companies pay the landowner rent for the land, and to put up the wind turbines, we are better off? ?? I was also under the impression that energy companies put some of their profit into this, so why have the investors earned so much ???

[@sisternum9022]

Much gratitude for all your help.

[@f1kwa399]

Thank you Martin, I hope everyone appreciates your input, heaven only knows where we’d be without you.

[@laurencesmith2199]

This fella should be involved in the political running of our country in his own sphere of expertise , not as an elected MP , he should have more of a say than them . So should Andy Burnham .

[@anarchodandyist]

Andy Burnham is a fucking crook. Everything he touches turns to shit. He has done nothing for Greater Manchester.

[@cakehole53]

Andy Burnham?! What a tosser

[@old6667]

do people honestly think this extra money found to help us peasants is a recent finding ... this revelation has been held back to appease us after party gate . Wake up people.

[@richardjones8699]

I don't think anyone is under any illusion as to that.

[@drnh4444]

It is quite amazing that virtually everything you say is what I'm thinking. The sense of what you say is utterly refreshing. We need a government full of you.

[@nobs4689]

Great work ...thank you x

[@987azza]

Sorry but I don't want handouts, I want to be treated with dignity and respect to pay for things at a reasonable price.

[@senseofthecommonman]

Exactly

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Look upon it as a tax rebate, problem solved.

[@stevecato1964]

Some households receiving the £650 will spend that money on "other things" and not pay their energy bills, and then expect further bailing out. Would not some sort of voucher system be more appropriate?

[@hannahtimson2526]

NO its direct payments, anything else will take them months to process plus corruption will cost millions on top, keep it simple Gov are slow inept and lazy

[@hannahtimson2526]

@Freddie Bloggs Thank-you

[@thedamnedrose6665]

Said exactly the same.

[@christopherthompson2167]

All benefit payments should only be able to spent on 'essentials" not sky, new iPhone ect

[@hannahtimson2526]

@@christopherthompson2167 Dont worry once cash is gone all transactions are tracked and your bank will dictate on Gov advice what you can spend and where with a bonus of time limited funds that will disappear if not used correctly. That is when millions will already be dead from starvation globaly . you will own nothing and be happy as Klouse says, so you will get your wish granted

[@joanneframe7683]

Thank you Martin for your always helpful input and information.

[@mickdebrou4567]

You're a legend Martin, thanks for your continuing support to us all

[@garyayres4404]

My wife and I are retired I’m 69 and She’s 68 and live in a band E house and we only have basic pensions without any disabilities. Things look grim.

[@jmills1549]

Still working few years to retire and yes just as grim... Especially if you only have one wage but pay for two...

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

I now won't consider any property in my search greater than Band D although I can easily afford too. You need to consider down sizing.

[@pmarmify]

power companies never read meters so the meter standing charge should also be scrapped!

[@Lisa-zz2ti]

Thank you 💕 much love and gratitude to you ❤️🤗🙏

[@fionadavis23]

Thank you so very much for everything you do

[@superfitme4695]

If anyone deserved to be knighted it's Martin Lewis. You've impacted millions of people

[@stejona7789]

who pays him? he is literally an elite...he needs prison...knighted my @rse... next we will knight the cillit bang man?

[@raptorone7327]

It’s good news all round if it actually is as it appears. Just this morning I spoke to our energy company who wanted to put our monthly DD up from £103 pm to £180 pm , now, we don’t get any benefits or other addons we are far to rich for that, yeah right! We can’t afford that monthly payment we have savings, which we have worked for and put to one side, these will be gone if these increases continue and we would then fall under the threshold for claiming benefits and May then not be able to pull ourselves back out again. The point I’m making is if government can keep people like us heads above water surely in the long run it will be better for the country as we will be able to continue to pay our own way? I think there are many people in the same situation.

[@johnw2758]

Yep..I'm in the same situation...was £95 per month now £187.....yet I was £200 in credit??? Do they want me to be thankful for this £400??? Don't give it to me, just put the price cap down !

[@burtomoto2000]

Thanks for your work Martin, your a true public servant!! I wondered where you were a few months ago but you have definitely grabbed the bull by the horns and done a great job. Despite this I think the majority of the general public are still greatly concerned for the future and hope that your firefighting with the government can transform into some advise for future policy change to eliviate the worries of the rising costs of living to come

[@jofrances3296]

Deepest respect Martin, thank you for what your doing and helping us all. God bless you 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@ejbh3160]

Are people on legacy disability benefits like ESA support group plus PIP, going to be worse off than those on UC and PIP? Those on legacy benefits completely missed out on the £20 'uplift' given to those on UC.

[@Hope-un5wv]

Yes. Please don't forget us.

[@clairefitzpatrick7183]

He did say legacy benefits. But I don't trust the government till the money's in my hand.

[@clairefitzpatrick7183]

@@Hope-un5wv exactly 😊👋 here, here!

[@catherinemontgomery7130]

i'm with you too

[@llmw1984]

Yes I agree. I get carers allowance & income support & I didn’t receive the £20 a week uplift. How could they discriminate against us like this? Especially as Carers Allowance is the lowest rate of benefit that is paid.

[@majormule7671]

What I find staggering and not discussed is that he’s giving money back that he’s taking from us from us already (either now or later), Far better if they just stop taking our money in the first place (I.e. remove the green subsidy surcharge and VAT, both of which they’re making an absolute packet out of now) ... smoke and mirrors!

[@markrhodes5474]

Exactly

[@melthebell33]

Thankyou martin for all your hardwork and fair analysis getting help for everyday people

[@shardlake]

Great update in a no nonsense easy to understand format.

[@steveshirley9853]

The should stop all the green taxes on our bills and stop all VAT on Gas Electric and Water Rates Bills.

[@shalinivarma237]

Thats the sensible thing to do but Bojo said the green levies wont be scrapped some MPs lobbied him and he saod theres misinformation about what they are trying to do w the green levvies and agenda.

[@thisnthat42]

Regarding the council tax rebate we’re still waiting to hear on how to claim as we don’t pay by direct debit. Little bit concerned that they hope a lot of us will just forget about it as our council is mentioning applying online but no details released as of yet. Hopefully they will be contacting people by post and not leaving the onus on people to search for the info online with little prompting if we don’t happen to follow the right media.

[@hojo9115]

We don't pay council tax by direct debit either, but I was able to have that £150 paid to my council tax direct. Yes I had to do this online, following directions on the bottom of the letter we received

[@jimdigriz2923]

You should get notified by post. I was wondering the same thing this morning and a couple of hours ago I received a letter from my local council with the details on how to claim it online, which I did, they did say in the letter that if I didn't complete the form by a certain date, they would pay the £150 onto my council tax bill and send out a new updated bill.

[@tdawg-my9ku]

Does the 400 all homes mean working households too?

[@HighHoeKermit]

I too wondered about this, but received an updated bill, knocking it off over the year! Not sure if they were meant to do it that way, but each council is doing it differently. It's only about a tenner a month off with a bit more off the first one, so can't say I will necessarily notice it unfortunately

[@LONDONGUY100]

@@tdawg-my9ku Yes. every household.

[@gooseware4937]

Thank you Martin, you are much appreciated.

[@carolwhitham8010]

Thank you Martin for all you do for us 😊 ❤️

[@BetamaxV]

what is the standing charge for? I don't get why I have to still pay a fortune if I'm not using it, I should be able to turn my gas off when I don't need it.

[@robmontier639]

Infrastructure. Oil/gas rigs, extraction, pumping, storage, pipework, meters aren't free. That's why.

[@ruthsmith2367]

How about getting rid of the standing charge as you still have to pay this even if not using your gas, I know you have a pilot light going or bring down the VAT of 20% we never used to pay this, I remember it coming. Both of these implementations would help everybody no matter what your circumstances are. I have to say we will be £700 better off with having a pensioner in the house so very grateful. If your team reads this please Martin, please say thank you to him 😊

[@mda5003]

VAT on energy is 5%. He could easily have reduced this to zero. As regards the standing charges that was a con trick as the energy companies introduced them a few years ago and blamed the Govt for making them reduce the number of tariffs! No, the Govt did not tell them to impose standing charges!

[@ruthsmith2367]

@@mda5003 thanks for your response. I always thought it was 20%, I fell better now 😀

[@rodneydelaney9227]

Thank you Martin you have helped many people.

[@StratsRUs]

Thank you Sue/Rachel/Martin

[@peakrider4886]

Whilst I’m not unhappy of the government’s steps to help out in the cost of energy crisis, it’s still only a one off short term measure. The hike in the standing charge to pay off all those debts from irresponsible energy companies that went bust, could have been paid off, then we could have all benefited from a reduction in this charge which you pay irrespective of if you use any electricity or gas or a lot. Plus what will be done about fuel prices? Most people have to drive to get to work and this is causing a real burden on the monthly bills. It’s not like we can choose not to go to work a day or 2 a month to save petrol.

[@JB3235]

Did you try looking at Public transport ?

[@peakrider4886]

@@JB3235 I wasn’t raising the issue for myself, but for the millions who rely on their cars to get to work. Unfortunately public transport doesn’t work well in rural areas, but I suppose your answer will be to move into the city? Idiot.