Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has warned of excess deaths this winter in the capital unless the Government provides more support during the energy bill crisis.
Nearly one in four adults plan never to turn their heating on this winter, polling suggests, as average bills are set to rocket while the temperature drops.
Resounding warnings of a dire winter, have been issued with the energy price cap set to rise by 80% by October, pushing the average household’s yearly bill up from £1,971 to £3,549.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has said he is working “flat out” to draw up options for a plan of action for the next prime minister so they can “hit the ground running” when they take office in September.
But some say the Government has been missing in action, while neither Tory leadership candidate has set out in full how they would help people ahead of the contest’s conclusion.
Speaking from Notting Hill Carnival, Mr Khan said people had been prevented from taking part in the event due to the current situation.
He said: "We are seeing those who want to have floats, those who want to have sound systems, pulling out because they can’t afford to pay their bills.”
He added that excess deaths could be caused due to people not being able to afford to pay for heating.
He also told the Evening Standard: "For the last six to eight weeks, the government has been AWOL. It beggars belief.
"It’s time for big, bold responses. I’ve been speaking to energy experts who say this crisis is bigger than the one we faced in the 1970s.
“We know from previous winters, there have been excess deaths caused by people choosing heating over eating.
"On top of that, people are choosing dangerous ways to heat their homes this autumn and winter, which is a concern.
“With bills going up this autumn and winter and wages not meeting the increase in inflation I really worry.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
Yui Mok
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaking to the media before the Pride in London parade
