Ofgem fuelling rise in poverty

ENERGY companies are making huge profits. Some energy companies are more responsible than others, but we need low energy prices for everyone, without the poor having to apply for special deals with the energy companies, which other customers pay for.

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With the cost of living going up, and the loss of the fuel allowance for the elderly, the triple lock increase for pensions in April is a derisory figure, bearing in mind that our state pensions are probably the lowest in Europe.

The government has a responsibility to look after the elderly, many of whom do unpaid work in a voluntary capacity, engage in helpful community activities and have paid their taxes.

Marguerite Rossini, Dovercourt, Essex

■ The public is in for a tough time in trying to cope with the swathe of upcoming rises in household bills. Council tax, energy and water, have all coincided to challenge some people's ability to pay, and this will only go towards fuelling the cost of living crisis.

The prospect of better times looks depressingly less likely, and the need to reduce our expenditure will have a knock-on effect in the drive to secure growth in the economy.

Michael Smith, Chatham, Kent