Watford General Hospital has failed to clarify whether its services are at risk with energy bills set to rocket again this autumn.
Household bills will rise 80 per cent in October, but there are fears nationally that hospitals, care homes and businesses will be crippled given their large energy usage.
For over a week the Watford Observer has repeatedly asked West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust whether it is financially prepared and if services are at risk.
The trust has did not respond at the time of publishing.
READ MORE
- Bank holiday collection times for Watford, Hertsmere and Three Rivers
- Farmers' market shuts after just over a year of trading
Shortly after, chief financial officer Don Richards said: “Contracts with integrated care boards include an allowance for general inflation and we have a 4.1% increase in funding, net of efficiencies, to cover inflation.
"National funding priorities will also be redirected to cover demonstrable additional inflationary pressures.”
It comes as energy regulator Ofgem this morning confirmed average annual household bills will rise from £1,971 to £3,549 in October.
Prices are then expected to soar again in January and April – potentially to nearly £7,000 per year.
The poorest households face “Armageddon over the winter”, according to charity National Energy Action, which says only government intervention can avert disaster.
Reports suggest a bailout is imminent, though neither Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss have committed to it, but there are differing views on how that should be funded.
Some claim profits made by the likes of BP and Shell should be taxed to cover increases now, with renationalising energy the longer-term solution.
Others say energy companies loaning the money, which would then be paid back over time by the public through taxation, is a more viable option.
Are you going to be seriously affected by the energy bills rise?
Will it literally be a choice between heating and eating for your family? Will your business or care home be forced to close? Please get in touch. We can keep you anonymous if necessary.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel