Fuel allowance rise likely in Budget as consumers feel impact of soaring energy prices

Natural gas wholesale price has surged 250% since the start of the year.

Increases in the fuel allowance, the qualified childrens' allowance, and the living at home allowance are likely in the Budget to ease the pinch of soaring energy prices.

The Government is bracing itself for rising energy prices this winter as the most likely derailment of October's Budget. With Russia "turning down the tap in the flow of gas into Europe" people could be facing potentially very large energy bills over the winter.