VOLTS AND DOLTS

COST OF LIVING CRISIS: TORIES STILL DO NOTHING

- BEN GLAZE AND GRAHAM HISCOTT

• Energy bills to hit £5K, experts warn
• But PM and fatcat bosses offer no help

BORIS Johnson was last night accused of standing by and doing nothing as millions of families faced crippling energy bills of up to £5,038 a year.

And the outgoing PM passed the buck on to his successor after a crunch meeting with fat-cat power firm bosses yesterday failed to agree a plan to help those hit by the worsening cost of living crisis.

Energy consultancy Auxilione said that based on Wednesday’s prices, Ofgem could set the cap at £5,038 a year for the average household in the three months from April. It also predicted bills would hit £4,467 in January.

But Ofgem and Energy UK also warned it was “possible” suppliers could raise costs before the cap kicks in on October 1.

Bosses from British Gas, E.ON, EDF and Scottish Power were among those hauled into Downing St to meet Mr Johnson, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng.