Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng admitted it “could be a very difficult winter” with a number of pressures on family budgets, including removing the uplift of Universal Credit.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, Mr Kwarteng was asked about the worries for families who may be choosing between heating their homes and putting food on the table due to rising National Insurance, rising fuel costs and a cut to Universal Credit.
He said: “You’re right to mention the National Insurance price tax rise, but of course that kicks in in April, so it’s not strictly a winter issue.
“You’re also right to say that we face a global energy spike in terms of prices.
"But I’ve said that there are mechanisms in place now to protect consumers, I’ve been very clear that the energy price cap is staying even though some energy companies I read today are asking for it to be removed, I’ve been very clear that that’s staying, so we’re protecting customers there.
“We’ve got the warm home discount, we’ve got winter fuel payments, which are again focused on the most vulnerable customers.
"So, we’re completely focused on helping vulnerable customers through this winter, particularly with regard to energy prices.”
Pushed on the issue of Universal Credit, he said: “It’s a difficult situation, it could be a very difficult winter.
“That’s why, as energy minister, I’m very focused on helping people that are fuel poor.
"Universal Credit, you will know, is an issue for the Chancellor and the Work and Pensions Secretary, I’m speaking to them a great deal about it.”
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