Plaid Cymru Warns that Support Based only on Income will Fail to Meet People’s Needs in Wales

Responding to the Prime Minister’s update on the Iran war, Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “Today’s update from Keir Starmer will offer little comfort to families and businesses across Wales who are already paying the price of rising energy costs. For many, this crisis is not on the horizon. It is already here.

“People who are not protected by the price cap because they are off-grid are being hit first and hardest, with government support leaving the vast majority without help. Many more now face an anxious wait ahead of a likely rise in the price cap in July.

“This crisis is driven by global instability, including the conflict in Iran, but its impact is falling unevenly. In Wales, higher standing charges and poorer energy efficiency mean people are paying more as a baseline. Combined with the fact that many households rely on heating oil and LPG, a one size fits all approach simply does not work when costs are so different.

“If support is based only on income, it will miss the mark. It will leave people behind.

“Plaid Cymru has put forward practical solutions. Set out now what support will be available when bills rise beyond the price cap. Get tougher on companies profiteering from global shocks. Break the link between gas and electricity prices in order to bring bills down for good.

“Warm words on de-escalation abroad will not pay the bills at home. People need action, and they need it now.

“Wales cannot be an afterthought in this crisis. We are ready to work with the UK Government, but that must start with listening to Wales and acting on what we are saying.”