Read, Watch or Listen

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the government is examining a cut to the 5% VAT on household energy bills, while refusing to pre-empt November’s Budget. Citing a cost-of-living crisis, he argued lower bills depend on shifting to home-grown clean power. The Treasury declined to comment. Scrapping VAT would save an average £86 a year and cost £2.5bn, according to Nesta. Bills rose 2% this month under Ofgem’s cap to £1,755. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is planning targeted relief that could reduce regulatory levies, amid political debate over green costs and rival plans from Conservatives and the Greens.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.