A CHARITY has revealed the huge impact the cost of living crisis is having in the region as energy bills continue to rocket to unimaginable highs.

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington has seen a huge increase in calls from worried older residents who simply cannot afford to maintain their bills.

One woman, who lives in Harrogate, told the charity she is being forced to take her dog out and travel on the bus on most days just to avoid using the heating at home.

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Last night, the charity urged Chancellor and Richmond MP Rishi Sunak to “think again” and protect older people living on low incomes from the energy crisis.

Helen Hunter, Chief Executive of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, said the support the Chancellor has announced so far “simply does not go far enough.”

She made the comments as she said older residents from across the area on lower incomes had been left at risk of health problems.

Speaking about the resident in Harrogate, she said : “The cost of her gas standing charge and price per KWH has doubled.

“She is entitled to the Warm Home discount but this has remained at the same rate for several years and does go far enough to help with the extra costs. 

“She has illnesses that are made worse by the cold and is at greater risk of health deteriorating.”

“With average bills set to rise by a whopping £693 a year from April – and almost certain to increase further in a few months' time – the support the Chancellor has announced simply does not go far enough.”

Ms Hunter added that unless the Chancellor takes further action, many more older people will face energy bills that are several hundred pounds more than they can afford.

As part of the measures the charity wants to see, they say the Government should provide payments of £500 to everyone eligible for the Cold Weather Payment.

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They have also asked the Government to double the Council Tax Rebate discretionary fund to £288 million to help those who just miss out on the support available.

Ms Hunter added: “We’re calling on the Chancellor to think again, and protect older people living on low incomes from the energy crisis.”

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