British Gas issues £449 warning and says 'people will struggle'

British Gas has warned more pensioners are likely to struggle with their energy bills this winter following the Government's controversial removal of support for millions. Winter Fuel Payments, worth up to £300, have been made means-tested, meaning around 10 million pensioners will no longer receive them.

While not everyone needs them, charities say around two million will be left struggling to heat their homes because they don't meet the criteria. It's an issue which has placed huge pressure on the new Labour Government.

Jessica Taplin, chief executive of the British Gas Energy Trust, spoke out as gas and electricity bills are set to rise from October. The regular Ofgem has raised the Energy Price Cap which will see typical bills rise by £149 a year.

READ MORE: British Gas will pay up to £1,700 to 'customers and non-customers'

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Ms Taplin believes many more pensioners will struggle with energy payments as they are losing their winter support at the same time they are seeing bills rise. The typical increase will be £149 but pensioners could face even higher rises because they tend to stay in their homes for longer and use more gas and electricity.

It comes as the British Gas Energy Trust began inviting applications for grants to help with energy debt of up to £1,700, for both customers and non-customers. Ms Taplin said: “We encourage applications to the Individuals and Families Fund from anyone that needs support with their energy debt.

"The change in eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payments, coupled with the energy price cap increase from October, means more people might find themselves struggling with their bills as we head towards winter. This fund will help us support as many eligible households as possible across Britain, whether British Gas customer or otherwise.”